MPO-listed teachers and staff have been holding a continuous sit-in at Dhaka’s central Shaheed Minar, protesting police attacks, sound grenade blasts, and arrests while demanding three key demands, including a 20% increase in house rent allowance. The protest has led to the suspension of all educational activities, including classes and exams, across schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions in the capital. Many teachers remain present at their institutions but are refraining from conducting classes. Those at Shaheed Minar spent the night under the open sky, enduring hardship to press their demands. Teachers have stated they will withdraw the sit-in and resume classes only after the government issues an official proclamation addressing their demands, including justice for the attacks. The protest underscores growing tension between MPO-listed teachers and authorities over recognition and welfare issues.

Gold and silver prices soared to record levels on Monday, October 13, as renewed trade tensions between the United States and China, combined with expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, boosted safe-haven demand. Spot gold climbed 1.5% to $4,078 per ounce, while December gold futures rose 2.3% to $4,093. Silver also jumped 2.7% to $51.70 per ounce. President Donald Trump recently threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and announced new export controls on key software, prompting global market concerns. Analysts note that geopolitical tensions and market tightness are driving investment demand for precious metals. Platinum rose 2.9% to $1,635.35, and palladium increased 3.6% to $1,452.50. Since January, gold has surged 53%, fueled by central bank purchases, ETF inflows, tariff-related economic uncertainty, and anticipated Fed rate cuts. Market watchers expect further rate reductions in October and December.

Teachers in MPO-listed schools and colleges across Dhaka have launched an indefinite strike demanding a 20% increase in house rent and medical allowances along with the implementation of a universal transfer policy. The protest, which started after teachers spent the night at the Central Shaheed Minar, also opposes police obstruction during their programs in the capital. While some institutions have suspended classes, others continue lessons to avoid disrupting students’ education, with teachers expressing solidarity with the movement. Earlier, tensions escalated near the National Press Club on October 12 during a sit-in when police used sound grenades and clashed with teachers. The protesting teachers have vowed to continue their movement until all demands are met, calling the government’s announced allowance hikes “insufficient and unrealistic.”

The International Crimes Tribunal has begun hearing arguments in a case accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam, in his argument, alleged that thousands of patriots were killed under Hasina’s direct orders. He described the former Awami League government as a fascist regime responsible for widespread abductions, extrajudicial killings, and the destruction of democratic institutions. Tazul Islam also referenced the Pilkhana massacre, the enforced disappearances by RAB, and politically motivated control of the judiciary as part of a pattern of oppression. During the live broadcast of the hearing, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office’s Facebook page suffered a cyberattack but was later recovered. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, noted that even judges should face accountability in such historic trials.

Chittagong University (CU) has announced the tentative dates for its first-year undergraduate (honors) admission tests for the 2025–2026 academic year. The decision was made during the first meeting of the Admission Process Management Committee, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yahia Akhter on October 12. Online applications will open on December 1 and continue until December 15. Tests for units ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ will be held at CU, Dhaka University, and Rajshahi University centers, while sub-units B1, B2, and D1 exams will be conducted exclusively at CU. Tentative exam dates include January 2 for ‘A’ unit, January 3 for ‘B’ unit, January 9 for ‘C’ unit, and January 10 for ‘D’ unit. Detailed information will be available on the university website.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) is set to be divided into two distinct entities: the Directorate of Secondary Education and the Directorate of College Education. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the Principal Advisor has approved this plan. A six-member committee has been formed to prepare comprehensive proposals for the two new directorates, including separate organograms, work allocations, and the Table of Officers & Equipment (TO&E). The committee, led by the Joint Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, has been instructed to submit the organograms within 30 days. Members include senior officials from the Ministry of Education, Finance Division, Public Administration Ministry, and the current DSHE leadership. This restructuring aims to streamline administrative processes and improve the governance of both secondary and higher education in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka College Heritage and Identity Preservation Committee has issued a stern warning that they will launch strict protests if the proposed draft for Dhaka Central University is not revised. At a press conference on October 12, convener Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, a former Dhaka College Students’ Union VP and BNP leader, said the draft could jeopardize the autonomy of seven prominent government colleges and restrict women’s education at Eden and Badrunnisa Colleges. The committee called for establishing Dhaka Central University following Oxford, Federal, or similar models, while preserving the independence, heritage, and competitive academic programs of these colleges. They presented ten proposals, emphasizing protection of infrastructure, scholarships, faculty ratios, student welfare, and avoidance of hybrid education systems. Human chains and further protests are planned at the National Press Club on October 16 if demands are not met.

Thousands of MPO-listed (government-subsidized) teachers and employees have announced an indefinite work stoppage beginning Tuesday to press for an increase in house rent and medical allowances. Under the banner of the Alliance for Nationalization of MPO-Listed Education Institutions, teachers gathered in Dhaka on Sunday demanding a 20% house rent allowance based on basic pay, an increase in the medical allowance from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500, and a festival bonus hike from 50% to 75% of basic salary. Alliance member secretary Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi warned that if the government fails to issue an official circular by Tuesday, the teachers will continue their protest and abstain from work at all schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions. The group previously staged protests in August and September over similar demands and vowed not to return home until their demands are met.

A devastating explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems facility in Bucksnort, Tennessee, has left at least 16 people dead. The blast, which occurred on October 10, was powerful enough to be felt several kilometers away. Initially, 18 workers were reported missing, but authorities later confirmed two were found safe. Sheriff Davis described the tragedy as a “deeply painful moment” for the local community, adding that DNA testing will be required to identify the victims. Rescue efforts have now shifted to recovery operations. Investigators from the FBI and ATF are working at the site, though the cause of the explosion remains unknown. The presence of large quantities of explosives has complicated recovery work. The company called the event a “tragic accident” but has yet to comment on possible causes.

The International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB) in Uttara has officially launched a Young Learner English Center in collaboration with the British Council, aiming to expand high-quality English education for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17. The inauguration took place at the school’s main Uttara campus on October 11, with school leaders highlighting the center as a vibrant learning hub. The initiative offers a structured, internationally recognized curriculum designed to enhance students’ communication skills, creativity, and confidence while preparing them for global opportunities. Cambridge-certified teachers will conduct specially designed courses, and parents can track their children’s progress regularly. This new center complements the British Council facility on Fuller Road in southern Dhaka, allowing northern students easier access to world-class English education. The project reflects IHSB’s commitment to integrated education, academic excellence, and global readiness.

Wall Street experienced a historic plunge as major U.S. stock indices suffered their largest drop since Donald Trump took office. The sudden market crash was triggered after President Trump announced the cancellation of a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit, citing escalating trade tensions. In addition, Trump hinted at imposing significant tariffs on imported Chinese goods, fueling fears of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies. U.S. media reports indicated that by Friday’s close, all weekly gains were erased as investors reacted to the news with panic selling. Analysts attribute the rapid decline to growing uncertainty in global trade relations and potential economic repercussions. The announcement sent shockwaves across financial markets worldwide, creating heightened volatility and investor anxiety.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a new policy to regulate the refund value of damaged, torn, or burnt currency notes, ensuring fairness and uniformity across all banks. According to the circular issued Thursday, the directive takes immediate effect. Under the policy, if more than 90% of a note remains intact, customers will receive its full value. Notes with 75–90% of their surface will be refunded at 75%, and those with 51–75% at 50%. Notes with less than 51% remaining will not be eligible for compensation. The new “Note Reimbursement Regulations 2025” replaces the previous 2012 framework, introducing precise and transparent guidelines. Customers can appeal unresolved cases through their bank’s head office and ultimately to Bangladesh Bank. The initiative aims to strengthen consumer confidence, enhance transparency, and modernize the country’s currency management system.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 begins hearing arguments on Sunday, October 12, in the high-profile case accusing Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun of crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the schedule through a video statement on Saturday evening. The final witness, investigation officer Md. Alamgir, completed cross-examination last Wednesday, after which the tribunal—led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder—set the date for arguments. The prosecution will start the argument phase today, followed by the defense’s presentation and then the prosecution’s rebuttal. The tribunal completed recording testimonies from 54 witnesses over 28 working days. Once the hearings conclude, the case will proceed to judgment. The prosecution’s arguments will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and the prosecution’s official Facebook page.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the process of bringing certain army officers accused of involvement in enforced disappearances and killings under trial has begun. In a Facebook post on October 12, he acknowledged that some members of the army had failed to uphold human rights and the rule of law but emphasized that these individuals’ actions should not tarnish the entire institution. He said the people of Bangladesh want to remain proud of their patriotic armed forces. Dr. Rahman praised the army’s willingness to cooperate with the judicial process and expressed hope that the trials would be transparent and fair. He added that justice for specific offenders would help restore national trust, erase the burden of past misdeeds, and prevent future misuse of authority, ultimately benefiting the nation in the long term.

A locally produced, science-backed nutritional food from Bangladesh named MDCF-2 (Microbiota-Directed Complementary Food) has been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “Best Inventions of 2025.” Developed jointly by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and Washington University, this affordable food supplement is designed for malnourished children. Unlike conventional nutrition products, MDCF-2 not only fills the stomach but also restores beneficial gut microbiota, enabling children to absorb nutrients naturally. Made from chickpea, soy, peanut, and green banana powders, it strengthens immunity and cognitive development. According to icddr,b Executive Director Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, this recognition proves that science combined with compassion can solve long-standing global health challenges. MDCF-2 stands as a beacon of hope for millions of undernourished children worldwide, demonstrating how local innovation can bring sustainable global health solutions.