Dhaka has been experiencing severe traffic congestion as several organizations launched simultaneous demonstrations across key areas of the capital. According to a press release signed by DC Muhammad Talebur Rahman of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the protests include demands from Ebtedayee Madrasa Teachers’ Unity for MPO inclusion, recognition and MPO enrollment for disabled schools, and the inclusion of all non-MPO institutions under government pay structure. Additionally, disabled graduate job seekers and candidates who passed the 43rd BCS examination but were not recruited to cadre positions have blocked major roads demanding fair employment. These demonstrations have caused widespread disruption, leading to heavy gridlock and significant public suffering in many parts of the city. Despite the situation, DMP officers are actively working to ease traffic flow. The police expressed sincere regret for the inconvenience caused to citizens due to the unexpected intensification of traffic jams.

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.

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 violent incident occurred at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Sunday afternoon, where several journalists were assaulted while covering the interview session of nomination seekers from Sylhet division. Reporters from Amar Desh, The Daily Star, Naya Diganta, and Jago News were among those attacked. Amar Desh reporter Zahidul Islam stated that he was filming when several individuals dragged him away, broke his mobile phone, and took his press card despite his explanation. Other journalists confirmed being harassed and expressed outrage over the attack, calling it unacceptable. Following the incident, a photo of one alleged attacker, identified as Faisal, was circulated on social media by reporters. Later in the evening, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement expressing regret, describing the attack as an unexpected misunderstanding and reaffirming the party’s respect for the media’s vital role in democracy.

A violent clash broke out in front of the National Parliament in Dhaka on Friday (October 17) during the “July Certificate Signing” event. Police baton-charged a group of “July Warriors” — participants in the July Uprising — as tensions escalated. Protesters retaliated by throwing bricks and setting fires. In the chaos, one protester’s artificial arm was seen lying on the road after it detached during the assault. The July Warriors had gathered demanding official state recognition for those injured in the July Uprising and for them to be honored as national heroes. They declared they would not leave the area until their three-point demand was met. Protesters reportedly broke Gate No. 12 of the Parliament compound and vandalized several vehicles. Fires were also set to police barricades and temporary tents near Manik Mia Avenue, as the confrontation intensified between police and demonstrators.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced major schedule improvements for metro passengers in Dhaka. Starting Sunday, October 19, metro rail service hours will be extended by one hour daily — trains will begin operating 30 minutes earlier in the morning and continue 30 minutes later at night. On Fridays, operations will start at 2:30 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. DMTCL also plans to increase the number of metro trips by mid-November, reducing the gap between trains from 10 to 8 minutes. Before finalizing the changes, additional test runs will be conducted. Currently, 12 of 24 train sets are in regular operation, but with the extended schedule, 19 sets will be used. The improvements aim to accommodate growing passenger demand and enhance convenience for commuters across the Uttara–Motijheel route. Metro service was first launched in December 2022 and continues to expand toward Kamalapur.

A violent clash erupted at midnight between students of Dhaka University (DU) and Dhaka College in the Nilkhet and New Market areas of the capital. The altercation reportedly began over setting up roadside shops near DU’s Shahnewaz Hall, escalating into stone-pelting and a fierce chase between both groups. The chaotic scene left several people, including a journalist, injured. DU Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem and other student leaders rushed to the spot to restore order. Meanwhile, a large police force was deployed to control the situation, which turned the area into a temporary battleground. According to Mohammad Jahangir, Assistant Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) New Market Zone, police successfully dispersed both groups and the situation is now under control. Authorities are investigating the incident and have assured that legal action will be taken if necessary.

In a special late-night operation on October 7, the army arrested the notorious teenage gang leader known as “Don Sagor” from the Hazaribagh area of Dhaka. Acting on secret intelligence, a patrol team from the Kamrangirchar Army Camp conducted the raid and captured Sagor red-handed. Sagor, 20, had long controlled several teenage gangs across Hazaribagh, Jigatola, Gojmohol, and Beribadh, allegedly involved in extortion, mugging, drug trading, and violent assaults. Earlier that day, Sagor and his associates brutally attacked a youth named Nayan, leaving him seriously injured with 13 stitches. During the arrest, the army recovered two sharp Chinese machetes, two mobile phones, cash, and a wristwatch. Following interrogation, Sagor was handed over to Hazaribagh Police Station, where a case has been filed. Locals expressed relief, saying his capture ended years of fear and unrest in the community.

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.

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.

In response to the surge in criminal activities such as rape, murder, theft, and robbery, the interim government has adopted a tougher stance on law and order. Law enforcement agencies, including the police and RAB, are conducting special operations to arrest criminals. Over the past 24 hours, 235 people were arrested across 50 police precincts. The government has implemented additional security measures, including police checkpoints and RAB patrols, to restore order and prevent further chaos.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali urged Dhaka residents to secure their homes and businesses before traveling for Eid, citing the police force’s staffing shortages. He highlighted the rise in street crimes, such as mobile phone snatching, primarily by juvenile gangs. Despite challenges, he assured that the city has seen a decline in major crimes like murder and robbery in recent years. The commissioner emphasized that no incidents will be left unreported or unrecorded during this period.

Chhatra Dal activists in Dhaka’s Tejgaon Industrial Area recovered a snatched TVS Apache RTR 160 CC motorcycle. The incident occurred in front of the Land Record and Survey Department, where muggers attempted to escape with the stolen bike. Activists chased the snatcher, forcing him to abandon the vehicle. Under the supervision of local Chhatra Dal leaders Abu Bakker Siddique Suman and Anisur Rahman Manik, the motorcycle was handed over to its rightful owner through the police. Several student leaders were present during the handover.

A fire broke out at the local market beneath Shewrapara Metro Station, sparking concerns of rapid spread. Firefighters are actively working to control the flames and have successfully prevented further escalation. However, a large crowd of onlookers is obstructing the firefighting efforts, making the situation more challenging. Police are trying to disperse the crowd to ensure smooth operations. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Further updates are expected as firefighting efforts continue.

Motijheel police have arrested three individuals involved in a theft case, recovering stolen items including 12.13 bhori of gold and a motorcycle. The suspects—Tawhid Talukder (18), Rajib Hossain Rana (42), and Ibrahim (35)—were apprehended following a missing persons report filed by the victim’s uncle. Investigation revealed that Tawhid had stolen gold ornaments from his uncle’s home, sold them to buy a new motorcycle. The police successfully tracked and arrested the suspects after gathering crucial information.