The United States House of Representatives has passed a $1.15 trillion defense spending bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), against the backdrop of ongoing military operations against Iran. The bill includes a key provision aimed at further integrating and coordinating the US and Israeli armed forces. The measure passed narrowly, with 216 votes in favor and 212 against.

The vote followed party lines in the Republican-controlled House, with most Republicans supporting the bill and most Democrats opposing it. However, seven Republican lawmakers voted against the measure, while six Democrats broke ranks to support it. The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval.

The passage of the NDAA reflects continued congressional support for large-scale defense spending and closer US-Israel military cooperation, though the narrow margin highlights partisan divisions over the scale and direction of US defense policy.

Crude oil prices rose again in the international market amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. On Thursday, Brent crude increased by 1.93 dollars or 2 percent to reach 96 dollars per barrel, marking its highest level since June 8. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also gained 1.44 dollars or 1.7 percent, trading at 88.27 dollars per barrel.

Earlier trading sessions had already seen Brent crude rise by more than 3 dollars to 94.07 dollars per barrel, while WTI climbed nearly 3 percent during the same period. Analysts cited renewed US military strikes in Iran and intensified attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea as key drivers of the surge. These developments have heightened strategic instability in the Middle East and disrupted supply confidence.

The report indicates that uncertainty in global oil supply chains continues to fuel price volatility, with markets reacting sharply to geopolitical risks in the region.

President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu has decided to resign from his post due to health complications and is expected to leave Bangabhaban within the current month. He plans to travel to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, having previously undergone heart surgery there. Bangabhaban officials confirmed that the president has informed senior staff and close associates of his decision. No formal government statement has yet been issued regarding his resignation.

According to sources, President Chuppu’s health has deteriorated significantly, with recent medical tests revealing cardiac weakness and neurological issues. Specialists have advised him to seek immediate advanced care and complete rest. His family has prioritized his treatment, and officials indicated that he recently returned from a medical checkup in the United Kingdom. Political tensions between the president and the government reportedly worsened following his London visit, leading to growing distance and mistrust.

Shahabuddin, elected in April 2023 under the Awami League nomination, has served for three years and three months. Under the constitution, a presidential election must be held within 90 days of the office becoming vacant, with the Speaker acting as interim president until a successor is sworn in.

The Trump administration has signed a major nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia amid escalating military tensions with Iran. Described as a peaceful nuclear cooperation deal, it aims to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between Riyadh and Washington. Under the agreement, US companies will be allowed to export nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, build necessary infrastructure, and create new employment opportunities.

Saudi Arabia, a long-time US ally, has been seeking such an agreement to enhance its national power grid. The Trump administration stated that this move reasserts US dominance in the global civilian nuclear market. Both countries claim the deal will deepen bilateral relations while maintaining nuclear safety and non-proliferation commitments.

Experts view the decision as significant given the current US military operations in Iran. Washington has said the move is part of efforts to counter potential Iranian nuclear weapons programs. Unlike a similar initiative under the Biden administration, this agreement does not include any condition related to Saudi-Israeli normalization.

A major controversy has erupted after Md. Kamal Uddin, a former convener of the Awami-aligned Bangabandhu Sainik League in Chattogram, was seen attending Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s high-profile dinner and meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Monday. Kamal, once known for his strong allegiance to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina, appeared at the event as a vice chairman of a little-known party named Gano Dal. His handshake with the prime minister and presence among 184 invited delegates have triggered an intelligence investigation into how he gained access to the highly secured venue.

According to the report, Kamal has a controversial past involving criminal allegations, including a narcotics case filed in 2014 and incidents of misconduct in Chattogram. He was also known for leading pro-government rallies against the 2024 student movement. Intelligence agencies are now probing whether any internal influence or political manipulation facilitated his entry into the event.

BNP leaders have privately expressed concern, calling the incident alarming for national security and inconsistent with the party’s values. They have demanded a full investigation to identify those responsible for the infiltration.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that Tehran would deliver a firm and precise response to any attack targeting Iran’s territory or national infrastructure. In a social media post, he warned that any party assisting the United States in a potential strike against Iran would also face retaliatory action.

According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi stated that Iran would consider all entities directly involved in or supporting an assault as legitimate targets. His remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning that if Iran attacked any ship in the Strait of Hormuz using missiles, rockets, or drones, the United States would bomb and destroy one of Iran’s bridges or power plants.

Following these exchanges, tensions in the Middle East escalated further, heightening concerns over possible military confrontation between the two nations.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a coordinated missile and drone attack on two Saudi oil tankers, ‘Enselia’ and ‘Layla,’ in the Red Sea, according to a report published on July 23, 2026. The group claimed both vessels caught fire after being hit by ballistic and cruise missiles. The Houthis said the assault was a response to what they described as Saudi Arabia’s twelve-year blockade on Yemen and declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in return.

The UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) confirmed an attack on a vessel about 130 kilometers off the Saudi coast, reporting a fire but no immediate information on casualties or damage. Saudi Arabia’s state news agency SPA confirmed that the ‘Enselia’ tanker was struck, causing a fire at its bow. A General Transport Authority official stated that all crew members were safe and that measures were being taken to protect the vessel and the marine environment.

The incident follows the Houthis’ earlier warning that Saudi ships would be barred from using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key Red Sea passage.

Two people were killed in a US strike near the Shalamcheh area along the Iran-Iraq border, according to Iranian officials. The deputy governor of Iran’s Khuzestan province confirmed the incident, which occurred as individuals were crossing the border. The report was carried by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.

Despite the attack, border crossings have not been suspended, the official said. Rescue and relief operations are continuing at the site. The report did not specify the identities of the victims or the reason for the strike.

The incident adds to ongoing tensions in the region, where previous reports have mentioned continued US strikes in Iran and threats of retaliation from Tehran. However, no immediate response from US authorities was included in the report.

A former leader of the Swechchhasebak Dal was hacked to death in Bogura Sadar upazila on Wednesday night amid a dispute over local dominance. The attack occurred in Chalitabari village of Shakharia union. The victim, Atikur Rahman Sagar, was a former convener of the Shakharia union unit and a former member of the Sadar thana unit of the organization. He was attacked with sharp weapons while visiting his home in Paachbariya village and later died at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.

According to police, the killing stemmed from a longstanding conflict over land and local influence. Bogura Sadar police inspector (investigation) Mahfuz Alam said that one person had been detained for questioning, who also faces multiple pending cases. The victim’s family is in the process of filing a case, and police operations to arrest other suspects are ongoing.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the detained individual or the exact motive behind the attack.

A reflective essay by writer Azadul Haque Azad, published on July 23, 2026, in Amar Desh, examines the moral and political transformation that follows revolutions. The author argues that revolutions are not singular events but long processes built on sacrifice, ideals, and collective struggle. In their early stages, selfless fighters pursue justice and equality, but over time, many of these idealists withdraw as fatigue, neglect, or disillusionment sets in.

The essay describes how this withdrawal creates a vacuum soon filled by opportunistic groups who exploit revolutionary gains without embodying its spirit. These new power holders, according to the author, reshape history’s narrative, turning moral commitment into personal gain. As a result, the state’s ethical foundation erodes, and governance becomes driven by self-interest rather than justice or accountability.

Azad concludes that the true success of any revolution lies not in its outbreak but in its continuity. When moral integrity fades, revolutions devolve into celebrations of privilege, and nations lose their ethical compass, awaiting the eventual return of truth and justice.

In Bagerhat, HSC examinee Ikon returned to his part-time job at an ATM booth on Tuesday night after burying his father earlier that day. Despite the grief of losing his father, he worked through the night before sitting for his HSC exam the following morning. His father, Israfil Daria, a 45-year-old motorcycle driver from Muniganj Medical School Road, died early Tuesday after falling ill and was buried beside his mother’s grave in Gopalganj.

Family sources said Ikon became the sole earner after his elder brother Imon lost mental stability following a road accident. Ikon studies in the humanities department at Khan Jahan Ali Degree College and works night shifts at an Agrani Bank ATM booth in Bagerhat’s Rail Road area to support his family.

Local residents described Ikon as hardworking and respectful, often seen studying between customer visits. His perseverance and sense of duty despite personal tragedy have deeply moved the community, who have expressed prayers and support for him and his family.

Student protests across multiple Indian states have intensified following the leak of question papers from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The central government is reportedly struggling to manage the growing unrest. On Thursday, July 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the protesting students through a message on social media platform X.

According to NDTV, Modi announced that the government has decided to establish a fast-track court to ensure swift and strict punishment for those involved in the leak. He stated that nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the youth, and directed authorities to take necessary steps to bring the culprits to justice. Modi emphasized that anyone attempting to harm the future of young people would face severe consequences.

Despite the government’s announcement, protesters have continued their demonstrations, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Reports indicate that the protests have spread across several states, increasing pressure on the government to restore order.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has announced a plan to engage Bangladeshi and international teachers and researchers working abroad in the country’s higher education and research through digital transformation. The initiative was revealed by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed at a discussion titled “BdREN–Cambridge University Press Collaboration: Pathway Towards Global Knowledge” held in Dhaka on July 22, 2026. The program aims to connect 180 universities to an integrated digital ecosystem within two years, expanding access to high-speed internet, smart classrooms, digital libraries, and international research databases.

According to Dr. Ahmed, the goal is not only to improve technological infrastructure but also to ensure equal access to quality education and research for all universities, regardless of geographic location. The initiative will be jointly implemented by UGC, the Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN), and the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. Once operational, it will allow teachers from established universities to conduct online teaching, research supervision, and inter-university collaboration.

UGC also plans to expand digital library facilities and access to international journals and databases, while building a sustainable institutional framework to continue the program beyond its project phase.

Meta has begun rolling out a redesigned version of WhatsApp for Mac, inspired by Apple’s “Liquid Glass” design language. The update aims to make the desktop experience more consistent with that of iPhone and iPad users. According to WABetaInfo, the update is being released gradually through the Mac App Store, with limited users currently having access. It is expected to reach all Mac users within the next few weeks.

The new version does not introduce major messaging or AI-based features but focuses on improving design and usability. Enhancements include a reorganized sidebar, refined chat bar, updated attachment menu, and smoother navigation aligned with Apple’s latest macOS design principles. Locked chats and Communities now have separate sections, with identity verification required before accessing locked conversations, mirroring iPhone privacy features.

Technology analysts view this update as part of Apple’s broader effort to unify user experiences across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Meta continues to invest in improving WhatsApp’s desktop version as its user base on desktop platforms expands.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decorated newly appointed Navy Chief Khondker Misbah Ul Azim with the rank badge of Vice Admiral. The ceremony took place on Thursday morning at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment, where outgoing Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan was also present. The event was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony.

After receiving the rank badge, Vice Admiral Khondker Misbah Ul Azim expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy. The ceremony was attended by senior military and government officials, including the Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and other top defense personnel.

Khondker Misbah Ul Azim joined the Bangladesh Navy in 1987 and was commissioned in 1989. Over nearly four decades, he has held key command and staff positions, served in UN peacekeeping missions, and most recently acted as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Oman. He has received multiple national honors for his distinguished service.