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.

India is witnessing widespread unrest following police action against student protests demanding the education minister’s resignation over an exam paper leak. While people from various walks of life have expressed solidarity with the students, Bollywood has remained largely silent except for a few exceptions.

In a podcast hosted by journalist Mehedi Hasan, Indian journalist Srinivasan Jain discussed why Bollywood celebrities avoid criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Jain argued that their compliance stems from fear for their careers and families rather than belief in Hindu nationalism. He cited examples such as the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan’s son in a drug case, which he viewed as government pressure. Jain added that similar intimidation affects cricketers, athletes, and industrialists, with investigative agencies allegedly used against dissenters.

According to Jain, even immense popularity cannot shield stars from retaliation. He recalled that actor Aamir Khan faced online attacks and lost commercial deals after expressing concern over violence against Muslims during Modi’s first term.

A group of bakery workers in Paikgacha, Khulna, reported a strange incident after beef they bought for a picnic turned green while cooking. The event occurred on Wednesday afternoon when employees of Modern Bakery began preparing the meat purchased from a local butcher named Ismail. After noticing the color change, they took the cooked meat and cooking pot to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office and later to the local police station.

According to the report, the workers had bought four kilograms of beef from Ismail’s shop that morning after being told that fresh meat was already sold out but that good quality meat was available from his freezer. The color change during cooking caused alarm among locals, prompting questions about possible chemical contamination. Some residents suspected the use of chemicals or other substances in the meat.

The butcher, Ismail, denied any wrongdoing, claiming he sold good meat and suggesting that the workers might have used some chemical during cooking. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the discoloration.

A court in Chandpur’s Matlab North has sentenced Md. Arun Bhuiyan, aged 50, to life imprisonment and fined him Tk 50,000 for raping a seven-year-old girl. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday afternoon by Judge Md. Rezaul Karim of the Child Violence Suppression Tribunal (District and Sessions Judge). The convict is the son of the late Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan of Gojra Bhuiyan Bari in the same upazila.

According to the case details, on July 9, 2021, the child went to guard seeds in a field near her home with her brother. When her brother left briefly to eat, the accused forcibly raped her. The injured child informed her grandmother, and her father filed a case with Matlab North Police Station on July 14. The then Sub-Inspector Md. Mobarak Ali arrested the accused the next day and submitted the charge sheet on October 20 of the same year.

Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Shirin Sultana Mukta said the court examined six witnesses before delivering the verdict in the presence of the accused.

Spain secured the 2026 FIFA World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1–0 in New Jersey, marking a historic repeat of their 2010 triumph. The victory came two years after their European Championship win in Berlin, confirming Spain’s dominance in global football. With this achievement, Spain became the first country ever to hold both men’s and women’s World Cup titles at the same time, following the women’s team’s 2023 win in Sydney.

Over the past five years, Spanish football has collected 16 international trophies across all levels, including the Nations League, European Championship, Olympic gold, and multiple youth titles. The team’s success is credited to long-term player chemistry, a solid defensive structure, and tactical innovation under coach Luis de la Fuente. Appointed after the 2022 World Cup, de la Fuente leveraged his experience with youth teams to build a cohesive senior squad.

Spain’s unbeaten streak of 38 matches underscores their consistency and discipline. The national team’s achievements have also influenced club football, with Spanish coaches now leading a significant share of Premier League teams.

Major (Retd.) Mozzafar Hossain, one of the accused in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman, was presented before the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday morning in connection with alleged crimes against humanity. The hearing is being conducted by Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with judges Md. Manjurul Basid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir as members. The tribunal had earlier ordered his appearance following a prosecution request on July 21.

According to the prosecution, investigators discovered Mozzafar’s identity while probing another suspect, Masud Uddin Chowdhury, after finding suspicious communications with a person using the alias “Jandu.” The investigation revealed Mozzafar’s alleged involvement in crimes against humanity, leading to the tribunal’s approval of his production order. He was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police on July 15 from Banani DOHS and later handed over to military custody.

Mozzafar, a former officer of the disbanded Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini later integrated into the army, had fled to India after the 1981 assassination of Ziaur Rahman and reportedly lived there under assumed names until returning to Bangladesh in 1996.