An Islamabad district and sessions court has issued an arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with a case involving illegal possession of alcohol and firearms. The court rejected Gandapur’s request for exemption from personal appearance and ordered him to appear by July 21. The case has been pending for eight years, with testimonies recorded, but Gandapur has allegedly avoided presenting his own statement. The judge warned that a verdict could be delivered in his absence, and his right to testify could be revoked. This development comes as Gandapur intensifies anti-government protests led by PTI.

A 35-day-old infant has died of starvation at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, as Israel’s blockade continues to restrict humanitarian aid. On the same day, two more people reportedly died from malnutrition-related causes. Meanwhile, at least 116 Palestinians were killed in ongoing Israeli airstrikes, including 38 individuals who were shot near a relief center operated by the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). According to aid organizations, more than 17,000 children are now suffering from severe malnutrition, with growing fears of an impending famine. International agencies are urgently calling for the blockade to be lifted to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck northern Iran on Sunday, with a shallow depth of just 3 kilometers, increasing the intensity of surface tremors and potential damage. The same day, Tajikistan experienced a 4.0-magnitude quake, with an epicenter 160 kilometers deep. Two days earlier, on July 18, a 3.8-magnitude quake struck Tajikistan at a depth of 10 kilometers. Experts warn that Tajikistan's mountainous terrain and glacier-fed rivers make it highly vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, droughts, and floods.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained six individuals—four women, one child, and one man—attempting to illegally enter India through Maheshpur, Jhenaidah. The arrests were made in separate operations across Shrinathpur, Khosalpur, and Baghadanga areas by the 58 BGB Battalion. The detained man, Nur Islam, has been handed over to police, while the women and child were sent to the Justice and Care Center in Jessore. Police said preparations for legal proceedings are underway.

The United States has revoked the visas of Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, his allies, and relatives over alleged political persecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the move is part of the Biden administration’s stance against the suppression of free speech. Brazilian courts have placed Bolsonaro under surveillance, barred him from contact with foreign officials, and restricted his use of social media. Bolsonaro has called the legal proceedings politically motivated. The U.S. has also threatened tariffs on Brazil amid rising tensions.

At least 34 people have died after a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, due to severe weather conditions. The boat, "Wonder Seas," was carrying 53 passengers, mostly families from Hanoi. A sudden storm with hail and lightning caused the tragedy. So far, 11 survivors have been rescued, including a 14-year-old boy found in an air pocket inside the overturned vessel after four hours. At least eight of the dead are children. Despite heavy rain, rescue operations are ongoing. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has expressed condolences and ordered an investigation.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a standing committee member of BNP, stated that while BNP supports reform, it does not endorse the Proportional Representation (PR) voting system, labeling it a step backward. Speaking at a discussion in Itakhola, he said BNP is fighting not for power, but to restore people’s voting rights. He warned political rivals against using intimidation and commented on Jamaat-e-Islami, saying although past crimes may be forgiven, they are not forgotten. He added that BNP appreciates the contributions of July’s student and NCP leaders, but rejected notions of political opportunism.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party, warned of a rising culture of fear in the country following the recent public uprising. At a street rally in Bandarban, he said people had taken to the streets in defense of democracy and freedom of expression and would do so again if needed. He urged for an end to ethnic oppression in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and called for inclusive, justice-based development. Nahid criticized the continuity of authoritarian systems regardless of changes in government and advocated for a new political framework beyond the 1972 Constitution.

At least 20 people were injured in a violent clash between Awami League and BNP supporters in Chandibarpur Union, Narail, over local political dominance. Fifteen of the injured are receiving treatment at Narail Sadar Hospital, while others were treated locally. The clash reportedly escalated from an earlier scuffle on Friday and involved locally made weapons. Both parties blame each other. Police said the situation is now under control, with additional forces deployed. Legal action will follow upon receiving complaints.

The campus of Islamic University (IU) was gripped by protests following the recovery of student Sajid Abdullah’s body from a campus pond. Students demanded a thorough investigation and improved campus security. Expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s response, they blocked the main gate and administration building while presenting a 15-point demand list. Authorities have promised to release the investigation report promptly, prompting the students to temporarily suspend their movement.

BNP central leader Aminul Haque has stated that Tarique Rahman plans to make the Holy Quran a mandatory part of the national education curriculum. Speaking at a gathering of Islamic scholars in Pallabi, Dhaka, he emphasized the party's commitment to Islamic values and the vital role of the clergy in building a humane Bangladesh. He claimed Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan protects religious freedom and the dignity of Islamic scholars. Aminul also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the 2024 mass uprising, calling for collective efforts to reshape society.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to a VIP Paribahan bus near the Maternity Hospital in Azimpur, Dhaka, in the early hours of Saturday. Around 2:30 AM, two individuals on a motorcycle reportedly threw petrol through the bus window targeting the rear seats, igniting a fire. The bus conductor, who was asleep inside, managed to douse the flames using water before the fire could cause major damage. Eyewitnesses reported seeing two motorcycles circling the area prior to the incident. Police from Lalbagh Thana have launched an investigation, though no suspects have been identified yet.

China has commenced construction of a massive hydropower project on the Tibetan stretch of the Brahmaputra River, despite international objections. The project was inaugurated by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. While China claims the project aligns with its carbon neutrality goals and Tibetan development, India has raised concerns over downstream water flow disruptions. Costing approximately 1.2 trillion yuan, it is expected to be one of the world’s largest dams. Experts warn it could severely impact livelihoods and ecosystems in northeast India and southern Bangladesh.

Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain, at the first meeting of the Hill Tracts Peace Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Rangamati, affirmed the interim government’s genuine commitment to executing the accord. He said the government would identify and address both minor and major issues step by step. The meeting was attended by key figures including Santu Larma, Sudatta Chakma, Supradeep Chakma, and senior government officials. Further meetings are planned to ensure progress.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman fell ill twice while addressing a national rally, collapsing on stage and later continuing his speech while seated. Following the incident, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, visited him at Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka late at night. The Press Secretary stated, “The Chief Advisor is closely monitoring Dr. Shafiq’s condition. With elections approaching, we wish for the good health of leaders across all political parties so that everyone can contribute to nation-building.”