On July 15, 2024, violent clashes erupted at Dhaka University when members of the Chhatra League allegedly attacked students participating in the quota reform movement. The assault left many students injured, including female students, and videos of the incident quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread anger and calls for resistance across the country.

In response, the Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a counter-mobilization. Its then central president, Manjurul Islam, directed members to support the general students, leading to the formation of a coordinated operation named “Operation Hasbunallah.” Under the leadership of Dhaka Metropolitan East branch president Mojabber Hossain, Shibir activists gathered near the campus and joined students in repelling Chhatra League members from key university halls, including Shahidullah Hall and Amar Ekushey Hall.

Following the confrontation, Shibir members reportedly maintained overnight patrols around the campus to ensure student safety. The events marked a turning point as Chhatra League’s dominance in several university halls began to weaken, and the student movement regained momentum nationwide.

The Bijoypur Rudrapal Pottery Cooperative Society in Comilla Sadar Dakshin, Bangladesh, has expanded its traditional pottery production to international markets, exporting terracotta items to the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Established in 1961 as Progoti Sangha with only 15 members, the cooperative was renamed under the guidance of Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan. After being destroyed in 1971, it was revived in 1972 with government financial support. Today, around 150 families across seven villages are engaged in pottery, with 50 families directly involved in the cooperative.

The cooperative’s assets are now valued at about 10 crore taka. However, production has been hampered since 2015 due to a severe gas shortage, forcing artisans to revert to traditional firing methods using clay, wood, straw, and paper. This has increased costs and reduced profits, leaving workers with monthly wages between 6,000 and 8,000 taka. Despite these challenges, both men and women continue to produce a wide range of terracotta goods, including household utensils, decorative pieces, and cultural models.

The cooperative’s craftsmanship sustains a long-standing heritage while contributing to rural livelihoods and Bangladesh’s export earnings.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering new measures that could effectively ban or restrict the use of advanced Chinese artificial intelligence models in the United States. According to sources cited by Axios, internal discussions have resurfaced following the rapid rise of the Chinese open-source model Kimi. The Commerce Department, National Security Agency, and White House cyber offices previously explored actions such as adding Chinese AI labs to the Entity List, issuing advisories, or requiring U.S. companies to assume liability for hosting Chinese models. Although earlier efforts were halted to avoid stifling innovation, renewed momentum is building among national security officials.

The administration’s current approach appears to favor indirect pressure rather than an outright ban. Sources described strategies including procurement rules, public warnings about security risks, and campaigns to encourage reliance on domestic AI ecosystems. Pro-competition advocates, including outside adviser David Sacks, have warned that such measures could entrench dominant U.S. firms like OpenAI and Anthropic while undermining open-source innovation.

The debate reflects a broader struggle between national security priorities and market competition as Chinese AI capabilities advance and U.S. policymakers weigh how to respond.

Iran’s military has carried out drone attacks on US bases located in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. According to a statement released by Iran’s armed forces, the strikes were conducted as retaliation for what it described as US military aggression. The attacks targeted multiple facilities including housing, welfare buildings, and equipment depots used by American forces.

The statement detailed that drones struck the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq, Jordan, and the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, hitting storage areas and aircraft maintenance hangars. In Kuwait, the Iranian military targeted ammunition depots and ground force supply facilities at Camp Doha. The semi-official Tasnim news agency published the statement outlining these operations.

The report did not mention any casualties or the extent of damage caused by the attacks. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States in the region.

A 22-kilogram Katla fish was caught in the Padma River at Goaland, Rajbari, and sold for Tk 50,600 through a video call. The fish was caught early Wednesday by fisherman Jahurul Haldar of Pangsha upazila at the confluence of the Padma and Jamuna rivers. It was brought to the Daulatdia Ghat market, where it weighed 22 kilograms on a digital scale. In an open auction, fish trader Md. Samrat Shahjahan Sheikh bought it for Tk 46,200 and later sold it to a Rajshahi businessman for Tk 50,600 using online communication.

The trader said large Katla fish from the Padma River are always in high demand, and online platforms now make it easier to find good buyers quickly. Goaland Upazila Fisheries Officer Md. Anwarul Islam Pilot noted that a seasonal ban on Hilsa fishing has increased the catch of other species like Katla, Rui, and Boal. He added that establishing permanent sanctuaries in the river could help sustain larger fish populations.

Local residents gathered to see the rare large fish, as such big Katla catches are uncommon in the area.

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit arrested five individuals in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area while they were allegedly preparing for a mugging. The arrests took place around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday during a targeted operation under Tejgaon Police Station. The detainees were identified as Raihan (20), Md. Nur Alam (25), Md. Hridoy (26), Md. Mehedi Hasan (38), and Md. Jewel (30).

According to CTTC sources, the Transnational Division received information that a group of miscreants was planning a mugging in the Karwan Bazar area. Acting on this intelligence, a team conducted a raid and apprehended the suspects before the crime could occur. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb street crimes in the capital.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspects’ backgrounds or whether any weapons or materials were seized during the operation.

US President Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to serve as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to a report by The New York Post published on July 22, 2026. The report states that the two became close during this year’s World Cup, and their relationship deepened after Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Award last December.

Citing sources close to Trump, the report describes Infantino as a globally respected figure with a strong ability to unite people around shared goals. The current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is set to complete his term in December this year. It remains unclear whether Infantino is interested in the position or how much Trump has discussed the matter with him.

According to the report, the UN Secretary-General is appointed following a recommendation from the Security Council and approval by the General Assembly. Other names reportedly under discussion include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

A 24-year-old man named Iqbal Hasan was arrested by the Department of Narcotics Control while transporting 1.5 kilograms of heroin from Chapainawabganj to Rajshahi. The operation took place around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Sarail area of Godagari upazila, Rajshahi. The seized heroin, packed in fifteen 100-gram packets wrapped in scotch tape, was found inside a schoolbag and has an estimated market value of about Tk 15 million.

According to Mehedi Hasan, Deputy Director of the Rajshahi District Office of the Department of Narcotics Control, the arrest followed a tip-off. During initial questioning, Iqbal said an unknown person handed him the heroin consignment in Chapainawabganj, which he was supposed to deliver to another unidentified person in Rajshahi. Communication between the parties took place via WhatsApp.

Officials said the smuggling used a “cut-out” method, where carriers, suppliers, and receivers do not know each other, making it difficult to trace the main network. A case was filed under the Narcotics Control Act, and Iqbal was sent to jail through court. The department will investigate further to identify the masterminds behind the operation.

Bangladesh’s Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad has said that India is conducting cultural dominance over Bangladesh through its satellite television, Hindi films, and commercial markets. Speaking at a seminar on preventing cultural aggression organized by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust on Wednesday, he emphasized that resisting such influence requires upholding the spirit of Ekushey, which symbolizes national identity and linguistic pride.

Ahmad explained that cultural identity connects people to their history and traditions, helping them maintain dignity and creativity. He warned that blind imitation of foreign culture weakens national values and leads to loss of self-identity. He recalled that during Pakistan’s rule, cultural aggression was resisted through the 1952 Language Movement, which gave rise to the Ekushey spirit. He also noted that former President Ziaur Rahman promoted Bangladeshi nationalism as a safeguard against cultural domination.

Other speakers, including Bashir Jamal of the Journalists Welfare Trust, stressed that culture forms the foundation of a nation’s identity and that families play a vital role in preserving local traditions amid globalization and technological change.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Wednesday to discuss the current state, export potential, and challenges of the country’s textile industry. During the meeting, he directed the formation of a high-level committee to review and resolve the existing problems in the sector. The meeting was confirmed by the Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Hasan Shiplu.

BTMA leaders highlighted the textile industry’s significant contribution to the national economy and sought government support for its sustainable development. They also urged policy assistance to enhance competitiveness in international markets. Prime Minister Rahman praised the industry’s role in industrialization, job creation, and export earnings, assuring government cooperation for its advancement.

The newly formed committee is expected to assess ongoing issues and propose timely solutions to strengthen the textile sector’s performance and global competitiveness.

Australia has expressed concern over China’s recent test of a nuclear-capable missile in the South Pacific. The concern was raised by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila on Tuesday. The missile, launched earlier this month from a Chinese submarine, carried a dummy warhead and traveled a long distance across the Pacific, according to AFP.

During the meeting, Wong emphasized the importance of safe and professional military conduct, transparency, and confidence-building regarding military intentions. Australia had earlier stated that it was not given sufficient prior information about the test. Nearly a dozen Pacific island nations also condemned the launch, saying it contradicted their goal of maintaining the region as a nuclear-free zone.

Observers believe the missile landed in a sea area between the Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu, though the exact location was not confirmed.

Members of India’s opposition alliance staged a protest in black attire at the Parliament complex, condemning the government’s alleged repression of demonstrators. The protest followed an earlier demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s residence, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in solidarity with student protesters. On Wednesday, Congress lawmakers appeared in black clothing and demonstrated outside the Parliament gates.

Lawmakers from several other opposition parties joined the protest, demanding the resignations of Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Members of the Samajwadi Party wore black scarves to show support, while party chief Akhilesh Yadav had earlier joined the Congress-led protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, where he and several Congress leaders were detained. The opposition demanded a parliamentary discussion on the alleged leak of the NEET exam paper and the police use of force against protesters in the capital.

Congress MP Pawan Khera told NDTV that the education minister should resign before any discussion takes place, citing the police action against students as unacceptable.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has decided to take strict disciplinary action against Gazi Nazrul Islam, the Member of Parliament for Satkhira-4, following his alleged involvement in a scandal. The party formed an investigation committee immediately after a video related to the incident surfaced on social media. The committee has already submitted its report, and the party’s executive council convened a meeting today to decide on further steps.

According to Jamaat sources, multiple teams were deployed to verify the authenticity of the allegations, and evidence of moral misconduct was reportedly found. Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim stated that the party would take firm action against any unethical or criminal behavior, regardless of a person’s political position. Discussions among party leaders confirmed that Gazi Nazrul Islam was involved in actions deemed morally unacceptable.

Party insiders also indicated that pressure had mounted from within the organization, including from leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Islami Chhatri Sangstha, demanding immediate action. The role of the Satkhira district Jamaat unit is also under review. A final decision regarding the MP is expected soon, according to the party’s central media secretary.

Seven individuals have been sentenced to varying jail terms and fines for drug use following separate anti-narcotics operations in Kazipur upazila of Sirajganj. The raids were conducted by the Department of Narcotics Control on Tuesday night, leading to their arrests. The operation was led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Md Mostafizur Rahman, along with Sub-Inspector Asadul Haque of the Sirajganj district narcotics department.

According to the report, the detainees were caught red-handed consuming yaba, cannabis, and tapentadol. They were later sentenced through a mobile court to different terms of imprisonment and monetary penalties. The convicted individuals are residents of various villages including Sthalbari, Char Bhanudanga, Sonamukhi Kalibari, Choukibari, Paikpara, Rouhabari, and Sonamukhi.

After the operation, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that such drives will continue to build a drug-free society.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Sheikh Robiul Alam, served as co-chair of a multilateral panel session on road safety held at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday. During the session, he called for stronger institutions, coordinated implementation, and enhanced accountability to reduce global road fatalities and serious injuries.

The minister emphasized that building strong institutions alone is not enough; their effective implementation across all levels of the transport system is essential. He highlighted the need for coordination among transport, health, police, finance, education, environment, and local government agencies, along with clear distribution of responsibilities and alignment between policy and execution. Sheikh Robiul Alam also underscored the importance of active participation from local governments, the private sector, civil society, academics, and youth under strong government leadership.

The minister is leading Bangladesh’s delegation at the UN high-level meeting on road safety improvement, joined by senior officials including Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque and Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury.