BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that the party is committed to fulfilling the demands of private teachers within the country’s financial capacity if it comes to power. Speaking at a teachers’ rally organized at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan on October 7 to mark World Teachers’ Day, Rahman emphasized that teachers are the true role models for students beyond the family sphere. He stated that when teachers struggle for dignity and livelihood, they cannot fully inspire students. The BNP leader announced that the party is working on practical plans to ensure teachers’ financial and social security, aiming to build an education system that empowers teachers with confidence. Thousands of educators from across the nation attended the event, pressing four key demands, including nationalization of jobs and increasing the retirement age to 65. Rahman also urged teachers to take the lead in building an anti-corruption and knowledge-based society.

At least 18 people have died after a bus was crushed by falling rocks during a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, India. The tragic incident occurred near the Ballu Bridge in Bilaspur’s Jhandutta constituency around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. The bus, carrying around 30 to 35 passengers from Rohtak in Haryana to Ghumarwin in Bilaspur, was completely flattened by large boulders tumbling down the hillside. Rescue teams from the local administration, police, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the site and have so far rescued three survivors. Officials fear the death toll may rise as more passengers remain trapped. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief and directed rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹200,000 compensation for each victim’s family. Continuous rainfall and multiple landslides have severely affected the region’s transport network.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has announced the tentative schedule for its admission tests for the 2025–26 academic session, marking the 55th batch of students. According to the university’s Central Admission Test Committee, the exams are expected to begin in the last week of December 2025. The decision was made during a committee meeting held on Tuesday (October 7), confirmed Deputy Registrar (Education) Syed Mohammad Ali Reza. He mentioned that the committee, led by the university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Mahfuzur Rahman, will oversee the coordination of all related activities for the admission process. Professor Rahman, who chairs the Central Admission Committee, stated that while the schedule has been tentatively set, decisions regarding the number of exam centers or changes in unit-wise exams are yet to be finalized. Further details are expected to be announced following the committee’s next meeting.

Professor Muhammad Azad Khan, Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), has formally requested to be relieved from his position, citing health-related difficulties. He submitted his resignation request on Tuesday, October 7, to the Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division. The development follows discussions within the Ministry of Education about replacing him due to dissatisfaction among policymakers with his performance. On Monday, the Ministry announced an open call for applications for the DG post, inviting BCS (General Education) officers of the 16th batch or above to apply within seven working days. Applicants must demonstrate integrity, administrative competence, and academic excellence. Sources indicate the Ministry aims to ensure a transparent recruitment process, preventing unqualified or politically backed candidates from being appointed. Professor Azad Khan, who has been in office since February 20, made his decision amid growing speculation about leadership changes within DSHE.

The admission test for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course in Bangladesh’s government and private medical colleges for the 2025-26 academic year will be held on December 12. The Ministry of Health, Education, and Family Welfare finalized the date in a meeting on Monday. Professor Rubina Yasmin, Additional Director General (Medical Education) of the Directorate General of Health Services, confirmed preparations are underway. The exam is being scheduled earlier than previous years due to the national parliamentary elections in February 2026 and the month of Ramadan. Bangladesh currently has 110 medical colleges, including 37 government colleges with 5,380 seats and 67 approved private colleges with 6,293 seats, along with one Armed Forces Medical College and five private army colleges. Last year’s exam was held on January 17, making this year’s test more than a month earlier.

Three distinguished researchers—Mary Branco and Fred Ramsdell from the United States, and Shimon Sakaguchi from Japan—have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work on peripheral immune tolerance. This vital mechanism helps the immune system avoid attacking the body’s own cells or harmless external elements such as food components and beneficial gut bacteria. The announcement was made by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute in Stockholm at 3:30 PM Bangladesh time on Monday. The laureates will receive a medal, a certificate, and a total prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately 1.2 million USD or 146 million BDT), to be shared among them. The discovery has major implications for autoimmune disease treatment and immune regulation research, shaping the future of medical science.

The Teesta River has risen 20 centimeters above the danger level due to heavy rainfall and mountain runoff in India’s Sikkim and adjoining regions. The Water Development Board (WDB) reported that at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, water at the Teesta Barrage in Dalia was flowing at 52.35 centimeters, prompting the opening of all 44 sluice gates to control pressure. Authorities have issued loudspeaker warnings urging residents of low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat to move to safer ground. Locals have begun evacuating with livestock and valuables amid fears of prolonged flooding. Officials have also expressed concern about possible damage to the flood bypass road near the barrage. Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner H.M. Rakib Haydar said all five upazila executive officers have been instructed to remain alert and extend assistance to affected residents. Authorities remain on high alert as water levels continue to rise.

At least 39 people have died in floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Nepal since Friday, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters. The Koshi Province has been the worst affected, recording 36 deaths, while Madhesh Province reported three fatalities. In Ilam district alone, 27 people died in landslides, with five still missing. Other casualties include two deaths in Udayapur, one in Khotang from lightning, and injuries in Bhojpur and Makwanpur. Six people were also killed in a road accident in Panchthar. Additional deaths occurred in Bara, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, and Ranihat of Madhesh due to floods or lightning strikes. Authorities fear the toll may rise as continuous rainfall hampers rescue and relief operations. The government has urged residents in high-risk areas to remain cautious amid forecasts of further heavy downpours.

In Dohar upazila of Dhaka, a blind man named Md. Babu Khan and his family have alleged that their 35-decimal ancestral land in Madhurchar Mouza has been illegally occupied. At a press conference on Sunday (October 5) at the Dohar Press Club, they accused Abu Junaid Biplob, a member of the local Awami Jubo League, retired Major Manzur Elahi, and deed writer Mashiur Rahman of forcibly taking possession of the property. Babu Khan stated that despite their family having been in possession of the land for around 60 years, the accused parties used false documents and influence to seize it. He also claimed that they face continuous threats and false cases while local authorities have ignored their pleas for justice. His wife, Razia Sultana, demanded proper investigation and return of their land, alleging that both police and army authorities have failed to provide assistance.

The government has raised the housing allowance for MPO-listed teachers and staff by just Tk 500—from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,500—through a new directive issued by the Finance Division. However, teachers’ associations have rejected this increase as insufficient and announced a continuous protest in front of the National Press Club beginning October 12. They demand that housing allowances be set at 20% of basic pay and that medical allowances rise from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500. The Finance Division’s order, signed by Deputy Secretary Sharifunnesa, states the change will take effect once the relevant administrative ministry issues its approval. It also warns that any irregularities in payments will hold the disbursing authority accountable. Despite the official adjustment, teachers argue the increase fails to reflect rising living costs.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of North South University student Apurba Pal, who was arrested on charges of desecrating the Holy Quran. On Sunday, October 5, Metropolitan Magistrate Saifuzzaman issued the order after the investigation officer informed the court that the accused had confessed to trampling on the Quran. Following a police petition, the court approved his detention. Apurba was arrested on Saturday night by Vatara police in the capital. In response, North South University’s disciplinary committee convened an emergency meeting on Sunday and decided to permanently expel him from the university. The administration has also decided to file a separate case regarding the incident. Witnesses had earlier reported seeing Apurba desecrate the Quran on campus, prompting intervention from the university’s proctorial and security departments. The university commended its students for maintaining peace and restraint during the tense situation and reaffirmed its commitment to communal harmony and campus discipline.

The National University of Bangladesh has introduced new rules for its Degree (Pass) and Certificate course students, requiring regular class attendance to obtain in-course examination marks. According to an official notice issued on October 4 by the university’s examination controller, students will be assessed based on 15% in-course exam marks and 5% class attendance marks. Those missing either component will not be allowed to fill out final exam forms. The 2024 second-year in-course exams will begin on October 12 and be held in two phases, ending on November 27. Private students will be assessed out of 20% marks based solely on the in-course exam. Colleges must conduct exams, evaluate answer scripts, and enter marks online within the stipulated period. Once entered, marks cannot be changed. All evaluated documents must be sealed and submitted by December 9 to the Gazipur campus or respective regional centers.

Teachers recommended by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) are set to announce a strict program demanding the prompt initiation of transfer procedures. A press conference will be held tomorrow, October 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the Maulana Mohammad Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club under the banner of Bangladesh Unity of Teachers. Spokesperson A.H. Bablu stated that despite the policy requiring vacancy data collection from September, the process has not been followed. He emphasized that teachers prefer not to take strict action but will escalate if the government fails to respond to their ultimatum. Long-standing stagnation of teachers at single institutions has hindered professional development, prompting the government to introduce an automatic transfer system. However, software control issues and court petitions have stalled transfers. NTRCA-recommended teachers are now mobilizing again to press for immediate resumption of the transfer process.

Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to strengthening maritime collaboration with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to promote shared goals of economic growth, ocean security, and climate resilience. At a special event organized at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Abida Islam, highlighted the importance of collective efforts in tackling global maritime and climate challenges. Diplomats and High Commissioners from several SIDS countries attended the event, which created new opportunities to enhance partnership under the IMO framework. Participants praised Bangladesh’s proactive role in promoting sustainable maritime management and regional leadership on ocean governance. The initiative reflects Bangladesh’s growing engagement in international maritime diplomacy and its dedication to fostering equal, collaborative relations with climate-vulnerable developing nations for a more resilient and sustainable future.

Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations by sending a congratulatory message to President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Xi emphasized that despite global and regional shifts over the past five decades, both nations have remained steadfast partners guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He praised the countries’ mutual respect, equality, and “win-win” cooperation, noting deepened collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing traditional friendship, enhancing cooperation, and promoting shared development for the benefit of both peoples and global peace. In response, President Shahabuddin expressed gratitude for China’s enduring support in Bangladesh’s sustainable development and regional stability. He emphasized the strong trust and friendship built over fifty years and expressed confidence that future cooperation will yield even greater achievements for both countries.