India’s Supreme Court on Monday, July 13, 2026, suspended a Madras High Court directive that had imposed a statewide ban on the slaughter of cows and calves in Tamil Nadu, including during Eid al-Adha. The apex court stated that certain aspects of the High Court’s ruling required reconsideration. The decision came after the Tamil Nadu government, led by Thalapathy Vijay, filed a special leave petition challenging the earlier order issued on May 27.

The state government argued that existing national laws already regulate animal slaughter under specific conditions and locations, and that a blanket judicial ban conflicted with these provisions. The Madras High Court’s earlier order, based on a 1976 government directive, aimed to boost milk production and strengthen the rural economy. The bench had also cited Article 48 of the Constitution, emphasizing the duty of states to prevent the slaughter of milch animals.

Several religious and social groups opposed the High Court’s ban, arguing that restricting slaughter only to licensed abattoirs during major festivals like Eid was impractical due to limited capacity. The Supreme Court’s suspension now allows time for further legal review of the issue.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has expressed deep concern over the continuation of the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations despite widespread flooding across various regions of the country. In a joint statement issued on Monday, the organization’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah demanded that the government temporarily suspend the exams until conditions improve. They said that many examination centers, including those in the capital, have been affected by waterlogging, severely disrupting communication and creating unsafe conditions for students.

The statement emphasized that mental stability and a suitable environment are essential for fair public examinations. However, students are being forced to attend exams through flooded and hazardous routes, posing serious risks to their physical safety and mental health. The leaders argued that continuing exams under such circumstances is neither humane nor student-friendly.

Shibir also warned that the prolonged exam schedule and field-level mismanagement could negatively affect students’ university admission preparation. The organization urged the government to prioritize students’ safety and well-being and to ensure adequate time for higher education preparation once the exams resume.

A debate arose in Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Monday regarding the territorial responsibilities of MPs from reserved women’s seats. NCP lawmaker Akhtar Hossain questioned whether assigning BNP’s reserved women MPs to opposition constituencies indicated a move toward one-party rule. He raised concerns about the legality and scope of such ‘additional responsibilities,’ asking for clarification from the government. The issue followed remarks by BNP MP Jiba Amina Khan, who mentioned visiting Pirganj and Mithapukur as part of her additional duties.

Responding to the query, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that reserved women MPs do not have specific regional constituencies. He stated that under Article 65 of the Constitution, they represent the entire country and can perform parliamentary duties anywhere in Bangladesh. The minister emphasized that these MPs are full members of Parliament and may allocate resources to any region.

Ahmed further explained that if any reserved woman MP identifies a particular area as her own, it is a self-imposed limitation, as the Constitution grants them nationwide jurisdiction.

Authorities in Melandah upazila of Jamalpur seized a petrol-laden lorry on Monday for lacking valid documents and launched an operation at a local fuel business accused of mixing color into octane for sale. The raid took place near Rabeya School on Nangla Road at a shop named Hasi-Khushi Enterprise, where samples of powdered color, octane, and petrol were confiscated for laboratory testing.

According to the upazila administration, the operation was based on allegations that petrol was being mixed with color and sold as octane. The lorry was taken to Melandah police station, and officials confirmed that the owner failed to present legal documents or invoices for the fuel. The upazila executive officer stated that the seized samples would be sent to a laboratory to determine whether adulteration occurred.

Authorities said legal action would follow after verification of documents and test results, depending on whether the laboratory confirms any irregularities or fuel adulteration.

Five fishermen went missing after a fishing trawler sank in the sea near Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar early Monday. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m., and seven other fishermen were rescued. The vessel, named FB Fakira Mosque, was owned by Nurul Absar of Baraghop South Amjakhali and had 12 crew members on board when it went out to fish.

According to Kutubdia Fishery Federation president Abul Kalam, the missing fishermen are identified as Md Sagar (18), Md Karim (22), Aiyub Monir (20), Kamal (45), and one person from Mognama in Pekua upazila. Kutubdia Police Station’s investigation officer Faruk Ahmed said a general diary is being processed regarding the disappearance of the fishermen following the trawler sinking.

Local authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the sinking or the current status of the search operation for the missing fishermen.

The Narayanganj City Corporation (Nasik) has extended financial and employment support to the families of two political leaders who died in a road accident. On Monday afternoon, Nasik Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan handed over financial assistance of 1 million taka to each family, totaling 2 million taka. Additionally, two family members were given jobs within the city corporation.

Masum Billah’s father, Badsha Mia, was appointed as an office assistant in Nasik’s legal department, while Abdul Kadir Jilani’s wife, Sohana, received a position in the health department. Sakhawat Hossain Khan stated that the initiative followed directives to stand by distressed citizens and ensure their livelihood security. The event was attended by district Jubo Dal member secretary Moshiur Rahman Roni.

The two leaders, Masum Billah (27) and Abdul Kadir Jilani (26), were killed on June 9 when a Narayanganj City Corporation waste truck ran over their motorcycle in Siddhirganj’s Jalkuri Dashpipe area.

Two more people have died from dengue in Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, while 327 new patients were admitted to hospitals across the country. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the data in a press release issued on Monday. The previous day saw one death and 350 new cases. In the first 13 days of July, a total of 2,546 people have been infected and nine have died. Last month, 2,907 cases and 13 deaths were recorded.

According to the DGHS, from Sunday morning to Monday morning, new hospitalizations included 61 in Barishal, 48 in Chattogram, 61 in Dhaka division outside city corporations, 38 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 43 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 45 in Khulna, 17 in Mymensingh, nine in Rajshahi, four in Rangpur, and one in Sylhet. During the same period, 230 patients were discharged.

The DGHS further reported that as of July 12, 2026, a total of 8,650 dengue patients had been hospitalized this year, with 27 deaths recorded so far. In 2025, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 deaths.

A Dhaka court has ordered a four-day remand for Shri Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, the organizer behind Asia’s largest 81-foot Ram statue in Palashbari, Gaibandha, after his arrest under the Money Laundering Prevention Act. The order was issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, by Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ripon Hossain following a request from the investigating officer, DB Inspector KM Rakibul Huda, who had sought seven days of remand.

Defense lawyers Shyamal Kumar Roy, Sushanta Adhikari, and Basudev Guha opposed the remand, arguing that the complaint contained no specific money laundering allegations and that the funds came from devotees for temple construction. Haridas told the court he was a farmer turned temple manager and denied wrongdoing. The prosecution claimed preliminary evidence showed his involvement in illegal currency transfers through hundi operations.

According to the case file, five bank accounts and four mobile financial service accounts under Haridas’s name received Tk 93.5 million from suspicious sources. Investigators allege he and unidentified associates laundered domestic and foreign currency. The CID arrested him on July 12 night, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Nepal has been gripped by renewed unrest as economic hardship, unemployment, and uncertainty over young people’s futures spark widespread protests. Over the past three days, three young men attempted self-immolation, resulting in two deaths and one person critically injured. Demonstrations have spread across the country, with protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. The main opposition Nepali Congress accused the government of failing to restore youth confidence or take effective action for their future.

Youth organization Gen-Z Nepal alleged that the government is running the country with an authoritarian mindset, ignoring public welfare. The group said there are no realistic measures in the budget or policies to create jobs, raise incomes, or ensure economic security for young people. The 2023 self-immolation of Prem Acharya has resurfaced in public discussion, as Shah, then Kathmandu mayor, had called it a symbol of state failure. His current silence has drawn criticism from opposition parties and protesters.

Analysts warned that the crisis has deepened concerns over youth mental health, unemployment, and policy effectiveness, urging swift government action to prevent further deterioration.

The National Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has demanded the suspension of the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations across Bangladesh. In a statement issued on Monday by the organization’s General Secretary, Abu Bakar Mojumdar, the group cited severe flooding, continuous heavy rainfall, and waterlogging in various regions as reasons for the demand.

According to the statement, major cities including those in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are submerged, with many examination centers flooded or being used as shelters. The organization said that transportation has collapsed, making it impossible for students to reach exam centers safely. It also noted that many students have lost their homes and study materials to floodwaters, while prolonged power and internet outages in rural areas have deepened uncertainty.

National Chhatra Shakti urged authorities to postpone the exams immediately and reschedule them once conditions normalize, calling such a move the most prudent and humane decision under the circumstances.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paused his motorcade in Barishal on Monday, July 13, 2026, to take selfies with schoolchildren. The event occurred near Shishuniketan Secondary School adjacent to Barishal Cadet College campus in the Satmail area along the Dhaka–Barishal highway. Rahman was returning from a tree-planting program and family card distribution in Gournadi when students requested a photo opportunity. He stopped his convoy, exchanged greetings, and distributed sports equipment among the children.

Teachers, students, parents, and local BNP leaders had gathered along the highway from Gournadi to Barishal to see the prime minister. Witnessing the crowd, Rahman interacted with local residents and grassroots party members. The students expressed excitement and welcomed him with applause as he took selfies using a student’s mobile phone.

The spontaneous interaction created a festive atmosphere among the students and locals, marking a moment of enthusiasm during the prime minister’s visit to Barishal.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam has returned to Bangladesh after a four-day visit to the United Kingdom. During the trip, he attended the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Council meeting and participated in a roundtable titled “Leading Universities through Transformation: What will Higher Education Leadership Require by 2035?” where he discussed the evolving role of universities and leadership challenges.

He exchanged views on leadership development, diversity, and inclusion in higher education, highlighting the need to strengthen leadership capacity for future academic leaders. The Vice-Chancellor also held meetings with ACU officials and vice-chancellors from several reputed universities to enhance cooperation in higher education and research.

During these discussions, he emphasized expanding scholarship opportunities for Dhaka University students at ACU member institutions, aiming to deepen academic collaboration and international engagement.

Relief distribution was carried out in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar under the leadership of central Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib. On Monday, he visited homes of affected residents and assured them of continued support. The initiative aimed to assist families impacted by recent natural disasters.

During the third day of the program, dry food and emergency supplies were distributed among 500 families in different areas of South Mithachhari Union. The relief packages included rice, lentils, potatoes, dry food, purified water, and purification tablets. Rakibul Islam Rakib said the effort was driven by humanitarian responsibility to ease the suffering of disaster-affected people.

District Chhatra Dal president Fahimur Rahman, general secretary Saeed Anwar, organizational secretary Ashraf Imran, and district Jubo Dal vice president Javed Iqbal, along with local leaders and volunteers, participated in the program.

Saudi Arabia has assured Bangladesh of cooperation in reducing taxes and charges imposed on Hajj flights to help lower travel costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims. The assurance came during a meeting between Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Ibn Dhafeer Ibn Ubaiah and Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, held on Monday at the Secretariat. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.

During the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam emphasized that lowering Saudi-imposed taxes and charges on Hajj flights would significantly reduce expenses for the large number of Bangladeshi pilgrims. In response, the Saudi ambassador said his government would consider the issue positively and is committed to improving services and facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims while keeping costs reasonable.

State Minister Millat highlighted that the absence of Category-D accommodation has increased lodging costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims and requested Saudi cooperation to reinstate the category. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in civil aviation, tourism, and Hajj management.

Five litigants were injured when plaster from the ceiling of the Bagerhat District and Sessions Judge Court building collapsed on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of the Kachua courtroom on the ground floor of the three-storey building. The injured were taken to the 250-bed Bagerhat District Hospital for treatment. They were identified as Suman Das, Hridoy Hawlader, Habibullah Sheikh, Md. Firoz Sheikh, and Motaleb Hossain, all residents of different areas of Bagerhat.

Judges from the District and Sessions Judge Court visited the hospital to check on the injured and monitor their treatment progress. Public Prosecutor M M Mahabub Morshed Lalon said the plaster fell suddenly from the veranda ceiling near the judicial magistrates’ courts, injuring those standing below. He added that the old three-storey building has developed cracks and plaster is peeling off in several places. The Public Works Department has been requested to urgently repair the structure.

Medical Officer Dr. Sheikh Adnan Hossain confirmed that the injured sustained head, neck, and leg injuries, but none were in critical condition.