The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to increase the housing allowance for MPO-listed teachers and employees of private educational institutions by 15 percent in two phases, leading to the withdrawal of their ongoing protest. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, teachers will receive a 7.5 percent housing allowance (minimum Tk 2,000) starting from November 1, 2025, and an additional 7.5 percent from July 1, 2026. The Finance Ministry has already approved the proposal considering budgetary constraints. Following the announcement, the leaders of the Nationalization-Seeking Alliance of MPO Teachers declared the suspension of their movement and announced that classes would resume from Wednesday. The Education Ministry described the development as a “historic moment” and a joint victory for dialogue and mutual respect, urging teachers to return to classrooms and focus on improving the quality of education across the country.

Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar has described the day of approving a 15% house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers and staff of private educational institutions as “historic” and expressed that he feels “fortunate” to be part of it. Following the Ministry of Finance’s approval on Tuesday (October 21), he issued a statement highlighting the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ living standards. Under the new arrangement, teachers will receive a 7.5% house rent allowance (minimum Tk 2,000) from November 1, 2025, with the rate increasing to 15% from July 2026. Abrar emphasized that achieving this decision was not easy, involving differences of opinion and debates, but it reflects collective success through dialogue and respect. He urged teachers to return to classrooms with renewed dedication, viewing this agreement as a foundation for mutual respect and quality education in Bangladesh.

A devastating fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has raised serious concerns across Bangladesh, with many refusing to believe it was a mere accident. The blaze, which raged for 27 hours and required 37 fire service units to control, caused massive damage—estimated at Tk 12,000 crore. An intelligence report sent to top government officials suggests severe lapses in airport security and coordination after the suspension of the Airport Armed Police Battalion’s activities last August. The report alleges that inactive security personnel and delayed response worsened the disaster, and even claims that a police unit was denied permission to assist. The interim government has vowed firm action if sabotage is proven. Multiple investigation committees, including one led by the Fire Service, are probing the incident. The fire has disrupted international flights and reignited debate over security management in critical installations.

Gold prices have soared past $4,200 per ounce in 2025, setting record highs and marking the strongest performance since 1979. While jewelry remains the dominant consumer of gold globally, demand is rising sharply across three key non-jewelry sectors: investment, central bank reserves, and technology. According to the World Gold Council, total gold demand in the first half of 2025 reached 2,455 tons—3% higher than last year—driven by strong investment amid economic uncertainty. Investors view gold as a “safe haven,” with investment demand reaching 1,180 tons in 2024, up 25% year-on-year. Central banks purchased 1,046 tons to diversify reserves and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, marking their third consecutive year above the 1,000-ton threshold. Meanwhile, gold’s use in technology—especially electronics and AI hardware—continues to grow due to its excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of shares worth approximately Tk 800 crore belonging to S. Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam, his family, and close associates. The order, issued by Senior Special Judge Sabbir Fayeaz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court on Monday (October 20), came following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to ACC sources, a total of 513,182,286 shares across 105 companies and institutions, valued at Tk 800.37 crore, were frozen to prevent their transfer. The petition, filed by ACC Deputy Director Tahsin Monabil Haque, alleged that Alam and his associates were attempting to move the shares elsewhere. This move follows an earlier court directive on July 9 to freeze 53 bank accounts held by the same individuals amid ongoing corruption allegations against the group.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a charge sheet against 26 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman and former Janata Bank Chairman Professor Dr. Abul Barkat, in a major loan fraud and embezzlement case involving approximately Tk 297 crore. The case alleges that loans were approved and disbursed from Janata Bank against land shown to contain non-existent structures, violating central bank regulations and government directives. The value of the undeveloped land was falsely inflated from about Tk 3 crore to nearly Tk 600 crore, facilitating large-scale misappropriation. Other accused include former Janata Bank MD Abdus Salam Azad and directors Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Nagibul Islam Dipu, and others linked to Suprav Spinning Ltd. However, three individuals were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The ACC confirmed that the charge sheet now includes six additional names identified during the investigation.

The National Pay Commission has finalized its draft proposal for revising the salaries of government employees, marking a significant adjustment after ten years. The proposal, completed on Monday (October 20), recommends a salary increase ranging between 90% and 97% across all grades. According to the draft, the basic salary for Grade-1 officers is proposed at Tk 150,594, while Grade-2 and Grade-3 employees may receive Tk 127,426 and Tk 109,084 respectively. The lowest grade, Grade-20, is proposed to have a basic salary of Tk 15,928. The proposed structure aims to ensure better living standards and address inflation over the past decade. Once approved by the government, this new pay scale is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of public servants across the country. The draft now awaits final cabinet approval before implementation.

A major robbery at Paris’ world-renowned Louvre Museum occurred on Sunday morning, leaving authorities stunned at the speed and precision of the thieves. The heist took place around 9:30 a.m. local time while the museum was open to visitors. Investigators found a truck with a ladder near the museum’s second-floor balcony, suggesting the thieves broke in through a window. The robbery happened in the Apollo Room, home to valuable ornaments of the French royal family, including items used by King Louis XIV. Priceless jewelry was stolen, including Empress Eugénie’s crown, adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, which was damaged during the theft. French authorities believe three to four individuals were involved, who fled on a motorcycle within seven minutes. The Louvre was closed for a day for investigation. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, promising justice and recovery of the stolen treasures.

The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) has reported that the recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo village has caused an estimated loss of Tk 12,000 crore. Speaking at a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon on October 20, EAB President Mohammad Hatem expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting serious security lapses at the facility. The fire severely affected traders, with 32 pharmaceutical companies alone suffering losses worth Tk 200 crore, and officials fear the total damage may rise. Hatem urged quick settlement of insurance claims for affected goods and proposed the creation of a special government fund to support items not covered by insurance. The blaze, which broke out on October 18, was finally brought under control after seven and a half hours of coordinated efforts by the Fire Service, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

Pakistan has successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, H-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, calling it a “significant milestone” in the country’s space program. Hyperspectral satellites can detect subtle chemical and material changes on Earth’s surface, making them invaluable for monitoring crop quality, managing water resources, and assessing natural disaster damage. SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan stated that the satellite’s data will revolutionize agricultural productivity, enhance climate resilience, and optimize the management of vital natural resources. The launch reflects Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and its long-standing peaceful cooperation with China. This year alone, Pakistan has successfully deployed three satellites, with EO-1 and KS-1 already fully operational, signaling a strong push forward in its national space ambitions.

In response to a series of recent devastating fire incidents across the country, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued an urgent safety directive for all educational institutions. Teachers, officers, and staff of government and private schools, colleges, and district and upazila education offices are instructed to ensure that all electrical switches, lights, fans, and computers are turned off before leaving their rooms. Air conditioner plugs must also be disconnected to prevent accidents. The notice emphasizes careful verification of these safety measures to minimize the risk of fire hazards. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including a fire at a chemical warehouse in Shialbari, Mirpur that killed 16 people, a prolonged fire at a towel factory in Chattogram’s EPZ, and a severe blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo section on October 18. The DSHE aims to enhance vigilance and prevent further loss of life and property.

BNP central leader and former state minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has accused the Awami League government of systematically destroying Bangladesh’s education system during its 15 and a half years in power. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Future Strategy for the Upcoming National Election” organized by the Zia Parishad Natore District branch, Dulu said that during BNP’s tenure, the party established a corruption-free education system to create a proud, educated generation. He claimed that under Awami League rule, even students who didn’t study were shown as passing exams, undermining the sector’s integrity. Dulu further alleged that the ruling party appointed loyalists to key educational posts, promoting corruption and favoritism. He pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will restore honesty in education and ensure fair opportunities for teachers and students alike.

The United States has been swept by outrage after President Donald Trump posted a fake video on his Truth Social platform showing himself as “King Trump.” In the video, Trump appears crowned and flying a private jet labeled “King Trump,” releasing brown, waste-like liquid onto protesters below while the song “Danger Zone” plays in the background. The video surfaced on the same day as the “No Kings” demonstrations, when thousands of Americans in all 50 states rallied with placards reading “I pledge allegiance to no king,” condemning Trump’s alleged authoritarianism. Later that night, the White House’s official account posted an AI-generated image showing Trump and Vice President JD Vance wearing crowns, captioned, “Good night, everyone.” Critics across the political spectrum called the posts offensive and divisive, while the White House dismissed the controversy with spokesperson Abigail Jackson’s brief remark: “Who cares?”

The defense arguments have commenced in the war crimes and genocide case filed against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, related to the July-August student and public uprising. On Monday, October 20, state-appointed defense lawyer Md. Amir Hossain began presenting arguments on behalf of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. The prosecution concluded its arguments last Thursday, the fifth consecutive day of proceedings. Following that, the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, scheduled the defense phase for today. A total of 54 witnesses, including the investigation officer, journalist Mahmudur Rahman, and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, testified for the prosecution. However, due to two key accused remaining absconding, no defense witnesses were presented. Meanwhile, testimony is also being heard today in another case at Tribunal-2 concerning the Ashulia six-body burning incident.

A Dhaka court has directed law enforcement authorities to identify and take legal action against the administrators and financial operators behind online pornography groups. The directive follows a news report titled “Thousands of Young Women’s Nude Videos Sold on Telegram”, published in a national daily. Taking the report into judicial notice under Section 190(1)(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jakir Hossain ordered the Deputy Commissioner of DB Police’s Cyber and Special Crime Division to appoint a skilled investigation officer. The court further instructed that a case be filed based on the findings, and progress reports must be submitted every 15 days. Both journalists who published the report have been directed to assist in the investigation. The final report is due by November 30. SI Rukunuzzaman of the prosecution confirmed the court’s order.