Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has approved the draft of the Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance, marking a major reform in the nation’s healthcare system. The new law will permit organ donations — including kidneys — from individuals who are not family members but share a close emotional bond with the recipient.

Previously, under existing regulations, only direct family members were allowed to donate organs, which forced many patients to travel abroad for transplants or engage in costly and sometimes unethical arrangements. According to Legal Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, this amendment aims to eliminate such malpractice and make organ transplants more accessible and ethical within Bangladesh.

He emphasized that the ordinance would help reduce medical expenses, ease patient suffering, and curb the need for foreign treatment. In the same meeting, the council also approved the July Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance, which will transform the former residence of the deposed prime minister — currently on trial for genocide — into a museum. This museum will operate as an independent institution and may open branches at symbolic sites across the country.

The National University of Bangladesh has made a preliminary decision to reduce examination fees for its students, taking into account the financial challenges many are facing. The decision was confirmed through an official press release issued on Thursday at 11:30 AM by Acting Director of Public Relations, Md. Mostafizur Rahman. According to the statement, the announcement of the reduced fees will be made by November 15 after consultations with college principals and university policymakers. The press release further mentioned that the decision was taken during an emergency meeting on October 29, attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Proctor, department heads, and student representatives. Since many students have already registered online for the current examinations, the new fee structure will be applicable from the upcoming Honours Part-4, Pass Course Part-2, and future examinations.

The Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) has released the updated admission policy for MBBS and BDS programs for the 2025–26 academic session, introducing several changes to eligibility requirements. According to the new policy, candidates must achieve a combined minimum GPA of 8.50 in SSC and HSC examinations to apply for admission to medical or dental colleges. However, candidates from underprivileged communities, including tribal groups and non-tribal applicants from hilly districts, will be eligible with a minimum combined GPA of 8.00. In all cases, applicants must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in HSC, with at least a GPA of 3.50 in Biology.

For Bangladeshi candidates, a GPA below 4.00 in either SSC or HSC will make them ineligible. The same GPA standards apply to foreign students seeking admission to government medical colleges, while those applying to private institutions need a minimum combined GPA of 7.00. Candidates who passed HSC in 2024 or 2025 and SSC in 2022 or later are eligible to apply. O-level and A-level students must obtain equivalency certificates from the Directorate General of Health Education (DGME). The updated policy aims to ensure academic quality and equal opportunity in medical and dental education.

Hurricane Melissa, described by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as the most powerful and slow-moving storm of the century, has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica and is now heading toward Cuba. The Category 5-equivalent hurricane made landfall near New Hope in southwestern Jamaica with wind speeds reaching 185 miles (295 km) per hour. Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed severe damage to hospitals, homes, and infrastructure, especially in the St. Elizabeth region, where widespread flooding has submerged entire communities. Over 500,000 people remain without electricity. The WMO reported that rainfall could reach up to 700 millimeters in some areas, raising the risk of catastrophic floods and landslides. So far, at least seven deaths have been confirmed across the Caribbean—three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Melissa maintains Category 4 intensity as it approaches southern Cuba, bringing threats of life-threatening winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall. Cuban authorities have begun mass evacuations and placed disaster response teams on maximum alert.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category-5 storm packing winds up to 250 km/h, has battered the Caribbean, leaving at least seven people dead—three in , three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges that have submerged coastal regions and disrupted communication networks. More than 1.5 million people have been directly affected, according to the Red Cross. Jamaica has suffered severe power and communication outages, prompting the government to launch emergency operations and an online aid portal. Cuba has begun evacuating coastal residents as Melissa approaches its shores, expected to make landfall early Wednesday. Meteorologists attribute the storm’s extreme intensity to rising sea temperatures driven by climate change, signaling a deepening humanitarian crisis for the entire Caribbean region.

A small tourist aircraft flying along Kenya’s coast has crashed, raising fears that all 12 people on board have perished. According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the aircraft was en route to the private Kichwa Tembo airstrip near Masai Mara National Park when it went down early Tuesday morning, around 5:30 a.m. local time. The plane had departed from Diani, a popular tourist destination, before losing contact with air traffic controllers. Rescue teams and government agencies have rushed to the crash site to investigate the cause of the accident. While officials have not released further details, authorities have confirmed that all passengers were aboard the ill-fated flight. This tragedy comes just months after another deadly crash in August, when an Amref aircraft went down near Nairobi, killing six people and injuring two others.

At a press conference held at Uttara’s Mugdha Mancha on Monday, local students and Islamic scholars strongly protested against labeling a recent rally demanding a ban on ISKCON as a “terrorist activity.” They denounced the subsequent filing of an “anti-terrorism” case against 20–25 unidentified individuals, terming it a fascist and conspiratorial move aimed at harassing peaceful demonstrators. The speakers claimed that the October 24 rally, held after Jumma prayers under the banner of general students, was entirely peaceful and attended by senior police officials. They alleged that a brief incident involving a dummy rifle was misused to distort facts on social media and justify the case. The protesters issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the withdrawal of the “false case,” the exposure of ISKCON-affiliated officials within the administration, and punishment for those spreading misleading information. Failure to meet the demands, they warned, would lead to tougher programs.

After a gap of two decades, Bangladesh and Pakistan held the long-awaited Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting on Monday, October 27, at the NEC Conference Room in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, while Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Parvez Malik headed the Pakistani side. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade volume, and promoting cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, information technology, food processing, aviation, and maritime transport. Both sides emphasized the revival of SAARC as part of broader regional cooperation. A key outcome was the signing of an agreement between BSTI and Pakistan’s PHA, allowing mutual recognition of halal certifications, which is expected to boost exports of halal products. Pakistan also expressed keen interest in importing Bangladesh’s famous jute products. The leaders expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration will benefit both nations economically and strategically.

A tragic accident occurred in Dhaka’s Farmgate area when a bearing pad from the metro rail structure fell and fatally struck a pedestrian. The incident happened around 12:30 PM near the Krishibid Institute, according to Tejgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mobarak Hossain. The deceased has been identified as Abul Kalam Azad, a resident of Naria upazila in Shariatpur. Witnesses reported that Azad was walking along the footpath when the heavy pad suddenly fell from above, killing him instantly. Police arrived promptly at the scene and have sent the body for post-mortem examination. Initial investigations suggest that the bearing pad, which helps control vibrations in the metro structure, detached during train movement. Authorities have temporarily suspended metro operations in the area and initiated an inquiry. The incident has raised nationwide concerns over metro rail safety and maintenance practices.

A Bangladeshi woman named Chenuara Begum (35) was seriously injured after being hit by gunfire originating from across the Myanmar border in Teknaf’s Hoikyang area on Saturday evening. The incident took place near the zero line in the Lambabil village of Baghghona. Local sources said Chenuara, wife of Akhtar Hossain, was struck in the leg while returning home. She was initially taken to a nearby health center and later transferred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehshan Uddin confirmed the shooting and said communication with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is ongoing to ensure public safety. Residents report hearing frequent gunfire from the Mongdu region of Myanmar in recent days. Security sources indicate the clashes involve the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups, prompting heightened surveillance along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

The re-evaluation results of this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations are expected to be published on November 16, according to officials of the Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. The results follow the rule that mandates publication within 30 days of the re-evaluation application deadline. The application process for re-evaluation—also known as the “script challenge”—was conducted online only this year, starting on October 17 and ending on October 23. Unlike previous years, no applications were accepted via SMS or through any education offices. The original HSC and equivalent results were released on October 16, showing a pass rate of 58.83%, significantly lower than last year’s 77.78%. A total of 69,097 students achieved GPA-5 this year, while 12,51,111 candidates participated under 11 education boards across the country.

Although the construction of a 250-bed modern hospital in Bandarban was completed six years ago, it has not yet been inaugurated due to administrative delays and the absence of staff recruitment. The old 100-bed hospital, established in 2005, now struggles to accommodate the growing number of patients from both urban and remote hill areas. Many patients are forced to lie on the floor due to a severe shortage of beds. The new facility—built at a cost of Tk 36 crore—includes advanced medical infrastructure such as ICU, CCU, isolation wards, and surgical units. However, without approval and manpower, it remains unused, depriving thousands of residents of better healthcare. Locals believe that opening the hospital would significantly reduce patient suffering and improve medical services. The civil surgeon has confirmed that the infrastructure is ready and the hospital will open soon after administrative approval.

What was meant to be a festival of light turned into a nightmare for many families in Madhya Pradesh, India. During Diwali celebrations, 14 children lost their eyesight permanently, and over 120 others suffered severe eye injuries after using homemade “carbide guns” — toy-like firecracker devices sold openly in local markets for just ₹150–₹200. These improvised explosive toys, made from plastic or tin pipes filled with gunpowder, match heads, and calcium carbide, cause violent explosions when ignited. The blasts released hot metal particles and toxic fumes that burned retinas and damaged irises beyond repair. Hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are overwhelmed with injured children. Authorities have arrested six people linked to illegal sales, while doctors warn that these are not toys but deadly explosives. Experts blame viral “firecracker gun challenges” on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube for fueling the dangerous craze.

China and Pakistan have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance educational cooperation and academic collaboration. The agreement was formalized between the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and Xinjiang University at a ceremony held in Urumqi, China. According to PIDE’s statement, both universities agreed to expand joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, and capacity-building projects. The discussions particularly emphasized strengthening cooperation within the frameworks of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Representing Pakistan, PIDE Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Javed highlighted that the MoU marks an important milestone in reinforcing educational and research ties between the two nations. The partnership is expected to open new avenues for innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and sustainable development in the region, reflecting the growing strategic and academic ties between China and Pakistan.

To make up for instructional days lost during the recent teacher movement, MPO-listed teachers in Bangladesh have decided to hold classes on Saturdays until the upcoming annual examinations. Principal Delawar Hossain Azizi, president of the MPO-listed Education Nationalization Aspirants’ Alliance and general secretary of the Bangladesh Madrasah Teachers and Employees Forum, confirmed the decision. Teachers had been unable to attend classrooms for eight days due to the movement. The initiative aims to ensure students complete the full syllabus on time. The government recently announced a 15 percent increase in house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers working in private institutions, fulfilling a key demand of the teachers’ movement. With the official notification received, teachers will now resume classes from tomorrow, compensating for the lost days and withdrawing their movement.