US Vice President JD Vance has alleged that Israel is secretly financing efforts to sabotage Washington’s ongoing peace talks aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vance claimed that a covert and well-funded campaign is underway to disrupt the negotiations and any potential agreement.

Vance further stated that he has been personally attacked by individuals who received money through a former Trump campaign associate. According to him, this associate had also obtained funds from certain elements within the Israeli government. The vice president said these groups were aggressively targeting him because of his involvement in the peace process.

Israeli officials did not immediately respond to Vance’s allegations, according to the report.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marked July Martyrs’ Day with a Facebook post on Thursday, recalling the events of July 16, 2024. The post described the day as the birth of a spark of protest in Bangladesh’s history, symbolizing resistance against autocracy, corruption, and injustice. It alleged that police and ruling party activists attacked peaceful student demonstrators demanding quota reform, resulting in the deaths of six young people across three districts.

According to the BNP post, one of the victims, Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was shot dead by police, while three students were killed in Chattogram and two more in Dhaka. The post highlighted the sacrifice of student leader Wasim Akram, who was killed in Chattogram and had expressed his commitment to the movement shortly before his death. The BNP described the day as both a moment of protest and a pledge to continue the struggle until justice for the martyrs is achieved.

Security was reportedly tightened in Dhaka and other parts of the country on the occasion of July Martyrs’ Day.

A Bangladeshi expatriate from Cumilla, identified as Md. Nadim Hossain, 27, died in a workplace accident at a date processing factory in the Bukaria area of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qassim region. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. Bangladesh time on Wednesday, July 16, 2026. Nadim reportedly entered a machine to clean it when co-workers accidentally turned it on, causing fatal injuries. Saudi police have launched an investigation and detained three factory workers for questioning.

According to family sources, Nadim had gone to Saudi Arabia about ten months earlier seeking better financial prospects and was employed at the date packaging and processing plant. His father, Samad Mia, alleged that his son might have been murdered and demanded a fair investigation and justice. He also appealed for government assistance to repatriate the body.

Burichang Upazila Executive Officer Md. Tanvir Hossain stated that authorities are gathering information and that the government can assist in bringing back the body if the family submits a formal request.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Engineer Ishraq Hossain announced that the government will work to preserve the memory of those who were martyred, injured, or disabled during the July uprising. He said that, if possible, a memorial will be built in every district to honor the martyrs of the movement. Ishraq made the remarks on Thursday, July 16, in Chattogram after laying the foundation stone of the 'Shaheed Wasim Akram Memorial' in memory of the first martyr of the July uprising in the city.

The minister said the initiative to build the memorial was taken to preserve the memory of Wasim Akram, the first martyr of Chattogram, on the occasion of Shaheed July Day. He recalled the 2024 uprising, describing it as a movement against a fascist and autocratic regime that had ruled for 17 years through oppression and violence. He stated that the movement emerged to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh and that his ministry will continue working toward that goal.

Ishraq emphasized that all martyrs of the movement will be honored, and contributors will be recognized appropriately. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a democratic Bangladesh.

At least 11 people were killed and 19 others injured when a fire broke out early Thursday at a child care center in the Mohammedia district on the eastern outskirts of Algiers, Algeria’s capital. The country’s civil defense authority confirmed the casualties and said firefighters launched an immediate rescue operation after receiving the alert around 3 a.m. local time. The blaze continued for several hours as crews worked to bring it under control.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or released the identities or ages of the victims. Rescuers managed to evacuate five children with special needs to safety. State television footage showed Prime Minister Sifi Garib visiting a hospital to check on the injured.

The incident occurred as Algeria faces an extended heatwave that has triggered nearly a thousand wildfires across the country in the past week, placing additional strain on emergency services already under pressure.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for collective efforts from all citizens to build a happy, prosperous, and discrimination-free Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a meeting with representatives of small ethnic groups at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Md. Sujauddoula (Sujon Mahmud). The representatives presented various issues, including land ownership and constitutional recognition, while the Prime Minister listened attentively.

During the meeting, Rahman described small ethnic groups as an integral part of the nation and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating a country free from ethnic discrimination. He criticized the previous government for damaging state institutions and the economy, alleging that $16 billion was laundered annually. He said his administration is working to gradually resolve solvable issues and restore the nation’s education and health systems.

The Prime Minister also announced plans to upgrade upazila health complexes to 101 beds and reduce taxes on essential medical equipment in the 2026–27 fiscal year. The meeting was attended by senior ministers, advisers, and representatives from 18 ethnic groups across 17 districts.

Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League staged a brief flash procession in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Thursday morning. The event took place around 11 a.m. on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in the Kursap area of Sultanpur Union. Eyewitnesses said the procession lasted about 46 seconds and was led by Debidwar upazila Chhatra League convener Asadur Rahman Roni. Joint conveners Sarowar Rakib and Imran Arifin Imu, along with Cumilla North district Chhatra League vice president Zahir Uddin, were also present.

Debidwar police officer-in-charge Moniruzzaman stated that he learned about the procession while attending a July Martyrs’ Day program at the upazila hall. He added that discussions with senior officials were underway to determine necessary legal measures regarding the incident.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what specific actions will be taken, but the police confirmed that the matter is under review.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering expanding military operations in Iran, including a plan to seize Kharg Island, a key oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. The island, located about 25 kilometers off Iran’s coast, handles roughly 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports and is described by U.S. officials as the center of Iran’s oil supply system. Reports indicate that Trump had contemplated capturing the island as early as 1988, long before his presidency.

Kharg Island’s deep-water jetties make it one of the few regional sites capable of accommodating supertankers, underscoring its strategic importance. A declassified 1984 CIA document identified its facilities as the most critical infrastructure in Iran’s oil network. Within the Trump administration, opinions are divided: some officials believe controlling the island could cripple Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s finances and hasten the end of the conflict, while others warn that such an operation would require a large ground force deployment and have urged caution.

The debate highlights differing strategic priorities within the White House as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

Renowned Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila will perform at a special solo concert and felicitation event on July 24 at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. The program, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, aims to honor her lifelong contribution to music and raise support for flood victims. Originally scheduled for July 18, the event was postponed to July 24 due to the ongoing flood situation.

The event will feature Runa Laila performing some of her most popular songs. Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury MP will attend as the chief guest, with State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam MP and Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser (Minister of State rank) for Policy and Strategy at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, as special guests. The session will be chaired by Kaniz Mowla, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The concert is expected to celebrate Runa Laila’s artistic legacy while contributing to humanitarian relief for those affected by the floods.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police announced that charge sheets in 59 cases related to the July movement will be filed only against those proven guilty based on verified evidence. At a press briefing on July 16, 2026, DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam said the investigations have reached a critical and complex stage due to the large number of accused and extensive digital data. The DB is analyzing around 40 GB of digital information, including video footage, forensic reports, and witness statements, to determine each suspect’s role.

Shafiqul Islam emphasized that the investigation is being conducted with utmost caution to ensure accuracy and fairness. A monitoring cell at DMP and another at police headquarters are regularly reviewing progress to prevent false or motivated cases. He stated that only those against whom credible evidence is found will face charges, while innocent individuals will not be wrongfully accused.

Officials said the investigation prioritizes technology-based evidence to ensure transparency and strengthen the judicial process once completed.

A local BNP leader was stabbed to death in Kabirhat upazila of Noakhali on Wednesday night after protesting drug use and sales. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near the Palli Bidyut substation at Tetultala Bazar in Sundalpur Union. The victim, Md. Faruk alias Shahid, 50, was a former publicity secretary of ward no. 6 BNP and a businessman at the same market. Locals detained two young men, Md. Arshad Akash, 26, and Md. Sajjad Hossain Akash, 20, and handed them over to police.

According to the victim’s son, a dispute had erupted the previous night between Faruk and Arshad Akash over drug use at a local shop, leading to the fatal attack the following evening. Police said the killing likely stemmed from that earlier conflict. The body was sent to Noakhali General Hospital for autopsy, and an investigation is underway.

Kabirhat BNP president Mostafizur Rahman Manju demanded exemplary punishment for those involved to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A meeting of seven Qawmi-oriented Islamic parties, led by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, was held on Thursday at Jameya Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram. The session was convened by Hefazat’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari and attended by senior leaders from Hefazat and other Islamic organizations, including Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, Islami Oikya Jote, Khelafat Andolon, and Islami Andolon.

During the meeting, participating leaders received a message emphasizing the need for unity among the seven parties and agreed to move forward together. The discussion also addressed the severe flooding that has affected families in several districts, including Satkania, Banshkhali, Chakaria, and Habiganj. Many people have lost homes and essential supplies, prompting calls for urgent rehabilitation and humanitarian support.

Allama Babunagari urged Hefazat’s district and upazila branches to distribute relief materials and assist flood victims. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to stand by affected communities and strengthen cooperation among Islamic groups.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain visited the grave of slain activist Mohammad Wasim Akram in Mehernama Murapara, Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, on Thursday morning. After paying respects around 9:30 a.m., he spoke to the media, criticizing the lack of justice in the two years since Wasim’s killing and describing it as a weakness of the judicial system. He also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using political manipulation to sustain her rule, asserting that the people of Bangladesh would resist such tactics.

Central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin and Wasim’s father Shafiul Alam were present during the visit. Nasir Uddin said that justice for the July–August martyrs would only be achieved if the “killer Hasina” was brought back to face trial. Shafiul Alam expressed frustration that there had been no progress in the case and demanded punishment for those who ordered the killing.

Wasim Akram, then a student at Chittagong College, was killed on 16 July 2024 in Muradpur, Chittagong, during a protest when police, Chhatra League, and Jubo League members attacked demonstrators.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nurul Islam has demanded the immediate execution of the verdict in the July massacre case, which he said occurred under the rule of the Awami League government. Speaking on Thursday morning at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard in Dhaka, he stated that the organization wants not only a symbolic verdict but its full implementation. The visit was part of a month-long program marking the second anniversary of the July uprising.

Nurul Islam alleged that the massacre began on 16 July 2024 with the killing of Abu Sayeed and that more than 1,400 people were killed, with over 800 bodies identified so far. He criticized the current judicial process, claiming that only ornamental verdicts had been issued against fugitives while no substantial rulings were seen for those arrested. He demanded swift justice for those responsible, including those who allegedly ordered and assisted in the killings.

The event concluded with prayers for the martyrs, attended by Shibir’s secretary general Sibgatullah and other central and branch leaders.

Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s new film 'The Odyssey' is set for a global release on July 17, 2026. Bangladeshi audiences will be able to watch it the same day at Star Cineplex, marking a simultaneous premiere with the rest of the world. The film has already generated significant discussion worldwide for its scale and subject matter.

' The Odyssey' is based on the ancient Greek epic by poet Homer, depicting the perilous homeward journey of the hero Odysseus after the Trojan War. The story follows his decade-long struggle to return home after being separated from his companions by fate. The film features Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope, alongside Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, and Jon Bernthal.

The simultaneous release in Bangladesh highlights the country’s growing inclusion in global film distribution networks, offering local audiences early access to major Hollywood releases.