A major fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, disrupting flight operations. Several domestic and international flights bound for Dhaka were diverted to Chattogram, Sylhet, and Kolkata. According to Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, Assistant Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, passengers on these flights will be flown back to Dhaka once the airport resumes operations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism announced that flight operations are expected to restart from 9:00 PM. So far, eight flights have been diverted, including flights from Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Bangkok, Delhi, and Riyadh. Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Advisor to the Ministry, inspected the fire site and assured that the airport will reopen as soon as possible. Firefighters deployed 36 units to control the blaze. Passengers and airport operations are expected to normalize shortly.

Flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were temporarily halted after a fire broke out at the Cargo Village at 2:15 PM on Saturday, 18 October. The Fire Service and airport authorities responded quickly, bringing the fire completely under control. No casualties have been reported. An advisor from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is personally monitoring the situation, while the ministry coordinates with all relevant agencies to ensure smooth operations. All flights are scheduled to resume from 9 PM. An investigation into the cause of the fire has already begun, with measures planned to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ministry thanked passengers and the public for their patience and cooperation during the disruption.

A fire broke out at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, October 18, at 2:15 PM, prompting a swift response from the airport authorities and the Fire Service. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism confirmed that the fire has now been completely brought under control and that no casualties have occurred. Sheikh Bashiruddin, Advisor to the Ministry, personally monitored the situation at the airport, ensuring close oversight and coordination among all relevant agencies. Authorities are working to restore normal operations at the airport and maintain safety standards. The ministry has announced that an investigation into the cause of the fire will begin shortly. Measures will be taken to identify the origin of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The coordinated efforts have been praised for containing the situation quickly and effectively.

A fire broke out at the Cargo Village of Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, October 18, prompting the deployment of 36 fire service units to control the blaze. Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, Assistant Director of Public Relations at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, stated that the fire is largely under control thanks to coordinated efforts. Meanwhile, Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the northern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has raised concerns that these fire incidents are not isolated but part of a larger conspiracy. In a Facebook post, he criticized the interim government for failing to identify and punish the accomplices of authoritarianism, calling it one of its major shortcomings. Alam urged authorities to uncover the real causes behind the incidents, rather than relying on theatrical investigations, suggesting that these acts are aimed at creating instability in the country.

A Kremlin envoy has proposed constructing a 112-kilometer (70-mile) tunnel under the Bering Strait to connect Russia and the United States, potentially with the help of Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. The project, described as a “railway and freight connection,” aims to foster joint resource exploration and economic cooperation between the two nations. During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump called the idea “interesting,” though Zelensky expressed his disapproval. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, also suggested U.S.-Russia-China collaboration on Arctic hydrocarbon projects, highlighting growing opportunities as melting ice opens the region for mining and energy ventures. Dmitriev called the tunnel a “symbol of unity” and shared historic maps of a Cold War-era proposal for a similar project. The idea revives decades-old discussions of linking continents and enhancing global connectivity.

Russia has warned the United States and other foreign powers against establishing military bases in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the country should remain fully independent. Speaking in Samarkand during a CIS security and intelligence meeting, SVR Director Sergei Naryshkin stated that Afghanistan has long been a focal point of international interest, and ensuring no foreign military presence is crucial for both regional stability and the welfare of the Afghan people. Russia advocates for open, equal, and mutually beneficial dialogue and cooperation with Afghanistan, including plans for economically advantageous projects. Naryshkin called on all nations to adopt a similar approach, noting that genuine peace in Afghanistan is only possible through collective efforts. Russia had previously recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and lifted restrictions on Taliban activities, paving the way for full diplomatic and economic engagement with Kabul.

Iran has expressed serious concern over recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan and has offered to help ease tensions. During a phone conversation on October 18, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged both countries to exercise restraint, stop military confrontations, and resolve disputes through dialogue. He warned that continued tension could not only result in humanitarian losses but also threaten the stability of the entire region. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi briefed Araghchi on the situation, emphasizing that the Islamic Emirate prioritizes peaceful solutions over military action. The ministers also discussed the Helmand River water-sharing agreement, stressing adherence to existing treaties, technical cooperation, and joint management to prevent water wastage and ensure Iran receives its rightful share. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, maintain border security, prevent foreign interference, and continue close consultation for lasting peace and stability.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the Abraham Accords, which previously normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, will soon expand to include Saudi Arabia. In an interview on Fox Business Network, Trump said many other countries are likely to follow once Saudi Arabia joins. He revealed that he recently held positive discussions with several nations showing interest in the agreement. The Abraham Accords were first signed in 2020 by the UAE and Bahrain, marking the first Arab-Israeli normalization in 25 years, with Morocco and Sudan joining later. Trump also met with Muslim and European leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza’s future, suggesting his proposals could lead to a broader Middle East peace. He even hinted at the possibility of a future Iran-Israel peace deal, emphasizing that it could be a transformative step for the region.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in southern Bangladesh, criticized political opportunism on social media, saying his party is always the first to donate blood but disappears when power is at stake. On Saturday, October 18, Hasnat shared a photo on his verified Facebook account juxtaposing two moments: one from last year when Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh and was welcomed by anti-discrimination student leaders, and another from Friday’s July Certificate signing ceremony at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. He remarked that these images reflect the only visible reform in the country. The first photo shows leaders including Nahid Islam, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Asif Mahmud, and Umama Fatema greeting Dr. Yunus at the airport. The second shows political party leaders beside the chief adviser during the signing ceremony. NCP, however, did not participate in the event or sign the certificate.

After a 45-day recess, the Supreme Court will resume its regular judicial activities on Sunday, 19 October. Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed has reconstituted 66 benches, with urgent and important cases being prioritized during the recess. Among all pending matters, the case concerning the reinstatement of the caretaker government has drawn the most attention. The six-judge Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed, is scheduled to hear the case on 21 October. This follows the court’s earlier acceptance of a leave-to-appeal request after a review of the verdict that annulled the 13th amendment, which introduced the caretaker government system in 1996. During the recess, benches were formed to handle critical cases, and Justice Farah Mahbub was appointed to hear matters in the Appellate Division recess bench.

On 17 October, a group of protesters under the banner of “July Warriors” clashed with law enforcement on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, demanding the inclusion of their three demands in the upcoming July certificate. The confrontation escalated around 1:30 PM at Gate 12 of the Parliament, as protesters both inside and outside the premises threw bottles, chairs, bricks, and stones at police. Police responded with sound grenades and tear shells in an effort to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles were vandalized, fires were set on the streets, and a few people were reportedly injured during the clashes. Following the incident, four cases were filed at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station against approximately 800–900 unidentified individuals. So far, one person, Rimon Chandra Barman, has been arrested. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the violence.

U.S. President Donald Trump openly criticized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in profane language, accusing him of trying to avoid confrontation with the United States. Speaking at the White House, Trump said Maduro had offered major concessions to reduce tensions, using an explicit four-letter word to emphasize his point. Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified military actions in the Caribbean, targeting suspected drug-smuggling operations linked to Maduro’s government. These operations include stealth fighter jets, seven Navy ships, and attacks on several vessels, reportedly killing over 20 individuals. Trump specifically mentioned striking a submarine designed to transport large quantities of drugs. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it is unclear whether any people survived the attacks. Experts warn that carrying out such lethal actions without concrete proof may violate international law, raising concern in Caracas. Recent B-52 patrols further demonstrate U.S. global readiness and deterrence measures.

Bangladesh has recorded a foreign exchange surplus of $480 million in the first two months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, more than double the surplus in the same period last year. According to Bangladesh Bank data, imports increased by nearly 10% to $10.88 billion, while exports rose 11% to $7.93 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $2.96 billion, slightly higher than last year’s $2.75 billion. Capital goods imports surged 24.5%, and intermediate goods imports grew by 8.2%. Officials attribute the improvement to reduced opportunities for illicit money transfers following recent government changes. Meanwhile, the country’s foreign exchange reserves have increased by $8 billion, surpassing $32 billion. Sustained growth in exports and remittances continues to support the positive trajectory of Bangladesh’s external sector.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam stated that the party will respond if the Unity Commission calls for discussions. Speaking at a press conference on 18 October at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, he emphasized that the July Charter has no connection with the Note of Dissent. He criticized the July Charter as being symbolic and deceptive if it lacks legal validity. Nahid Islam expressed confidence that the NCP’s election symbol, the “Shapla” (water lily), will remain unchanged, and that the party intends to contest the upcoming national elections under it. He further accused beneficiaries of the previous fascist structures of conspiring to maintain the old order, stating that some political parties have compromised, but the NCP has remained independent. He also condemned BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed for labeling July fighters as “Awami Fascists” and called for a retraction and apology.

The signing of Bangladesh’s July National Charter 2025 has been hailed as a significant milestone in the country’s political transition, according to EU Ambassador Michael Miller. Speaking on the occasion, Miller emphasized that the charter reflects broad consensus among 25 political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, on key reforms and strengthens unity ahead of the 2026 elections. The ambassador described the event as evidence of Bangladesh’s commitment to moving forward in a cohesive and democratic manner. His presence also signals the European Union’s ongoing support for democratic governance and institutional reforms in the country. Over the years, the EU has worked closely with Bangladesh to enhance good governance and accountability, recently reaffirming its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and participatory elections. Technical assistance and potential election observation missions are part of the EU’s continued efforts to support sustainable development and democratic practices in Bangladesh.