A 'Unity Conference' marking Qaumi Madrasa Resistance Day 2026 was held on Sunday at the Economic Reporters Forum auditorium in Dhaka’s Paltan area. Organized by the Qaumi Madrasa Resistance Day Implementation Committee, the event was themed 'Memory, Struggle, and Future Aspirations.' Speakers paid tribute to the teachers, students, and scholars of Qaumi madrasas for their role and sacrifices during the July uprising. They called for official state recognition of Qaumi contributions and demanded that July be declared as Qaumi Madrasa Resistance Day.

Liberation War State Minister Engineer Ishraq Hossain attended as chief guest and announced August 2 as the tentative date for the observance, expressing hope that the Prime Minister would attend. He also assured sincere efforts to implement the conference’s logical demands. The event featured discussions on the heritage, struggles, and educational contributions of Qaumi madrasas, emphasizing the need for proper evaluation and national acknowledgment of their role.

Representatives from around 17 Qaumi organizations participated, including leaders from various student and religious groups, highlighting unity within the Qaumi community.

A case has been filed against three individuals, including a lawyer from Barguna, for allegedly forging the signature and seal of a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate to create a fake marriage affidavit. The case was lodged at Kotwali Police Station by Khalid Hossain, an office assistant and computer operator of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court’s Nazarat section. The accused are identified as Nayon, Rima, and Advocate Tarikul Islam Farazi, along with several unidentified persons.

According to the case details, on July 19, a magistrate ordered verification of a marriage affidavit submitted by Nayon and Fahima Islam Riya. Court records revealed no such entry, confirming the document was fabricated using a forged signature and seal. Investigations found the group attempted to use the fake affidavit to file a false case against the magistrate in Barguna, which was later dismissed for irregularities.

Preliminary findings suggest the accused operated as part of an organized forgery ring that had long been deceiving people by falsifying court documents. Police said efforts are underway to arrest the suspects.

Police detained twelve brokers, including two women, during raids at two government hospitals in Narsingdi on Sunday morning. The operation was conducted by RAB-11 in the areas surrounding Narsingdi Sadar Hospital and the District Hospital. Following the arrests, a mobile court sentenced eight individuals and released four others with warnings based on the severity of their offenses. The sentenced group included two women and six men.

The operation was led by Executive Magistrate Sarowar Alam and RAB-11 Narsingdi Camp Commander Md. Ariful Islam. According to sources, the detained brokers had long been active near the main gates of the 100-bed District Hospital and the Sadar Hospital, targeting patients for illicit activities. The authorities took the action to curb the influence of these broker groups operating around the hospitals.

The arrests and sentencing mark a continuation of local efforts to maintain order and protect patients from exploitation in public healthcare facilities.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 4,328 people have been killed and more than 12,000 injured since Israeli attacks began on March 2. The rising number of casualties has deepened concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation in the country. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, uncertainty remains over the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has arrived at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to a post from the president’s office on X, the visit marks the first trip to Washington by a Lebanese president since 2009. Aoun is also scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

The visit takes place amid U.S.-supported direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. Just days earlier, officials from both countries concluded another round of negotiations in Rome under American mediation, according to Al Jazeera.

A female prisoner who escaped from Kashimpur Jail in Gazipur was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. The detainee, identified as Rimpa, had fled the prison on July 16 in the evening and was captured on Sunday following a targeted operation based on intelligence information.

According to the prison headquarters’ AIG (Media) Jannatul Farhad, RAB confirmed Rimpa’s location using intelligence and technology before conducting the arrest. Authorities stated that she had been in hiding since her escape. After completing necessary legal procedures, she will be handed over to the relevant authorities.

The escape had previously sparked widespread discussion across the country, leading to administrative action against several prison officials and staff accused of negligence in duty.

A 23-year-old gold medalist engineer in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, died by suicide after failing around 50 government job examinations. Police recovered the body of Anand Kumar from his rented apartment in the Gujaini area under Govind Nagar police station on Friday, July 19, 2026. A five-line note found at the scene repeatedly apologized to his father, stating he had tried 50 times for a government job but could not succeed.

Anand completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering in 2024 from a reputed Kanpur college, where he ranked third in the state and received a gold medal from Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on August 13, 2024. His father, Rajkumar, a retired private employee from Bihar’s Buxar district, lived with him in Kanpur. During the incident, Anand’s father and grandfather were away in Bihar finalizing his elder brother’s marriage.

Police said Anand had been preparing for government exams while working in a private job but was under mental stress due to repeated failures.

Authorities in Bhangura upazila of Pabna conducted a joint operation on Sunday afternoon, seizing banned Chinese fishing nets worth Tk 260,000. The nets were confiscated from several water bodies in Chakdigar, Satbariya, and Boidyamorich areas and later destroyed by fire. The drive was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, with the participation of the upazila fisheries officer Md. Ali Azam and local police personnel.

According to Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, the Bhangura region, once rich in native fish species due to its proximity to the Chalan Beel wetlands, is now facing a decline in indigenous fish resources. The use of prohibited nets has been identified as a major threat to local fish populations and aquatic biodiversity.

The operation reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to protect aquatic ecosystems and enforce fishing regulations in the region.

The Bangladesh Army and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) have begun a joint military exercise titled 'Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026' at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet. The opening ceremony took place on Sunday, attended by US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen and Bangladesh Army Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman. The 13-day exercise will continue until July 31, 2026, under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army’s specialized Para Commando Brigade.

According to the participants, the exercise aims to strengthen operational capabilities, enhance mutual understanding, and deepen the long-standing military partnership between Bangladesh and the United States. Ambassador Christensen described the training as a foundation for growing strategic cooperation and a symbol of shared commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Lieutenant General Rahman emphasized its importance in advancing bilateral defense relations.

The exercise includes 91 participants from the US Army Pacific and Oregon National Guard, and 93 from the Bangladesh Army. It builds on existing cooperation in regional security, counterterrorism, disaster management, and humanitarian assistance.

Bangladesh concluded their tour of Zimbabwe with a T20 series win, defeating the hosts by four wickets in the third and final match in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe batted first and scored 143 for seven, with Myers contributing 73 and Bennett 47. For Bangladesh, Saifuddin took two wickets. In reply, Bangladesh reached 144 for six in 19.4 overs, led by opener Tanzid Hasan’s unbeaten 66 off 58 balls. Captain Towhid Hridoy and Parvez Hossain Emon each added 24 runs. Tanzid Hasan was named player of the match.

The victory sealed the three-match series 2–1 in Bangladesh’s favor, marking a strong finish to a challenging tour. Earlier, Bangladesh had lost the only Test by an innings and the ODI series 2–1, and they also dropped the opening T20 match before bouncing back to win the last two games. The T20 success came despite the absence of key players Liton, Mustafiz, and Miraz.

The series win provided Bangladesh with a morale boost and a positive conclusion to their Zimbabwe campaign.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that an investigation is ongoing into alleged corruption during the 2022 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights process under the previous Awami League government. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday, he said the 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights were purchased directly from FIFA for 3.85 million US dollars, avoiding intermediaries and reducing government expenses to nearly zero through sub-licensing.

Swapan explained that in 2022, a Singapore-based company first bought the rights for 3.2 million dollars, which were later acquired by Bangladesh’s Toma Construction. Bangladesh Television then purchased the rights from Toma for about 98 crore taka, while Toma sold satellite and digital rights to two private firms for around 40 crore taka, totaling roughly 140 crore taka in transactions involving middlemen.

He emphasized that the current direct purchase model ensures transparency, saves taxpayers’ money, and protects state interests. The ministry plans to make future World Cup broadcasts more technology-driven, financially sustainable, and profitable for the state.

Two young men died after reportedly consuming methanol presented as alcohol during a wedding celebration in Gazipur. The incident occurred on July 10, and both victims later died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Sajib, aged 22 from Mymensingh’s Ishwarganj area, and Roni, aged 20, who lived in Baimail for his studies, fell ill soon after the event.

According to local accounts, the two became sick the morning after the wedding and initially took medicine from a local pharmacy. When their condition worsened, they were admitted to a clinic in Konabari and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Sajib died around 4 a.m. on Sunday, followed by Roni at 4:30 p.m. the same day. Police confirmed receiving reports of both deaths from hospital authorities.

The incident has caused shock in the local community, and police are gathering further details about the source of the toxic substance.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching its conclusion with Spain and Argentina facing off in the final match at New York’s MetLife Stadium. Before the decisive game, FIFA has planned what it calls the most star-studded and expensive closing ceremony in World Cup history. The event will begin 90 minutes before kickoff, featuring American pop icon Post Malone as the main attraction and Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise in a special performance blending football and cinema. The ceremony will open with the U.S. national anthem sung by Oscar-winning artist Jennifer Hudson, followed by performances from Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, and influencer IShowSpeed.

For the first time in World Cup history, a halftime show modeled after the American Super Bowl will be introduced. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the 11-minute musical segment will feature BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Shakira. Shakira and Burna Boy are expected to perform the official World Cup theme song “Dai Dai.”

After the performances, the final match will begin, with Lionel Messi leading Argentina and young talent Lamine Yamal representing Spain in what promises to be a memorable night for football fans worldwide.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President and State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur has said that the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami poses a threat to Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and future. Speaking on Sunday at a discussion titled “Blood-soaked July: Context, Debt of Blood and Which Way Bangladesh” at the National Press Club in Dhaka, he urged young people to remain alert to Jamaat’s politics and alleged conspiracies. The event was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed as chief guest and Liberation War Minister Ishraq Hossain as special guest.

Nur claimed that after the July uprising, Jamaat sympathizers were appointed to key state institutions during the interim government, influencing sectors such as police, universities, energy, and civil service. He alleged that social media was used to create a false impression of Jamaat’s political strength and that some young activists became dependent on Jamaat before forming their own political base.

He warned that Jamaat’s resurgence could lead to instability and urged national consensus to safeguard independence and sovereignty. Nur also cautioned against foreign powers exploiting Bangladesh’s political situation for their own interests.

United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) has extended humanitarian support to flood-affected residents of Bandarban. As part of its corporate social responsibility program, the bank distributed food packages to 1,000 families impacted by recent floods. The distribution event took place on Sunday morning at the District Council Rest House premises in Bandarban town, where Professor Thanzama Lushai, Chairman of the Bandarban Hill District Council, attended as the chief guest and handed over the aid packages.

During the event, Thanzama Lushai emphasized that helping disaster victims is a collective social and moral duty, noting that private organizations like UCB complement government relief and rehabilitation efforts. UCB’s Zonal Head and Senior Vice President Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury and Bandarban Branch Head Muha. Hanif Chowdhury were also present.

UCB officials stated that the food assistance was aimed at meeting the immediate needs of flood victims and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to continue such humanitarian initiatives during future natural disasters.

A Dhaka court has sentenced two muggers to death for the killing of Shafiqul Alam, also known as Shafik, during a mugging incident at the Kalyanpur bus stand nearly two decades ago. The verdict was delivered on Sunday, July 19, 2026, by Judge Mosaddek Minhaj of the Fourth Additional Metropolitan Sessions Court. Each convict, Md. Sohel Rana alias Kalu and Md. Nazim Uddin alias Nazim alias Nazhu, was also fined 50,000 taka. The court issued arrest warrants as both convicts remain absconding.

According to the case, on June 22, 2005, around 4:15 a.m., Shafik arrived in Dhaka from Bogura and was attacked near Asia Cinema Hall by three muggers who attempted to rob him. He was fatally stabbed and later died in hospital. The victim’s father, Md. Akbar Ali, filed the case with Mirpur Model Police Station. Police arrested Sohel Rana, who confessed in court but later absconded after securing bail. The investigation officer submitted the charge sheet in April 2006, and the trial began in September that year, with nine of fourteen witnesses testifying.

The court described the convicts as professional criminals with multiple prior cases involving weapons, explosives, and drugs.