Dhaka’s air quality has once again deteriorated to an “unhealthy” level, according to global air monitoring agency IQAir. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday (October 8), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 145, ranking fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Egypt’s Cairo topped the list with a score of 185, followed by Manama in Bahrain (183) and Kolkata in India (177). Although recent rainfall had temporarily improved air conditions in Dhaka, pollution levels have risen again due to ongoing urban and environmental factors. AQI scores between 151 and 200 are considered “unhealthy,” particularly affecting children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around seven million people die globally each year due to air pollution-related diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

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.

In a significant relief for aspiring Hajj pilgrims, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that expired passports can now be used for Hajj registration. The ministry’s Hajj-1 section issued an official circular on Tuesday, October 7, easing the passport validity requirement to simplify the 2026 Hajj registration process. However, the ministry clarified that pilgrims or Hajj agencies must update the renewed passport details in the system before visa processing begins; otherwise, the visa will not be issued. This decision aims to ensure that no eligible pilgrim faces registration hurdles due to expired passports. According to the Saudi government’s Hajj roadmap, registration for the 2026 Hajj will officially close on October 12, 2025. The move has been widely welcomed by Hajj agencies and prospective pilgrims across the country for reducing bureaucratic complications and time constraints in completing registration formalities.

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.

The United States has approved the sale of advanced AIM-120D-3 medium-range air-to-air missiles to Pakistan, signaling a significant renewal in military cooperation between the two countries. Valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion, the deal will provide the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) with state-of-the-art missiles by 2030, enhancing the combat capability of its F-16 fleet. The contract has been awarded to American defense manufacturer Raytheon, which will also supply similar systems to Turkey and other allied nations. Defense analysts say the AIM-120D-3 — the latest version in the AMRAAM family — offers greater accuracy and extended range, giving Pakistan a decisive edge in aerial warfare. The approval follows recent high-level visits by Pakistan’s top military officials to Washington, including meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and senior defense leaders, indicating a fresh phase in bilateral defense ties.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban and ordered the blocking of the National Identity (NID) card of retired Brigadier General Shamsur Rahman in connection with corruption allegations. The order was issued on Tuesday (October 7) by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez following an application from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam, the commission’s Deputy Director, Alamgir Hossain, sought the order amid concerns that Rahman might transfer illegally acquired assets. The ACC investigation revealed allegations that Shamsur Rahman and his family accumulated significant immovable and movable assets both domestically and abroad through abuse of power and undisclosed income sources. Intelligence reports suggested he was attempting to transfer or conceal these assets. To prevent evidence tampering and ensure accountability, the court restricted his foreign travel and suspended his NID privileges pending further investigation.

Thousands of migrants in Portugal, including Bangladeshi expatriates, are facing mounting challenges due to new strict regulations imposed by the country’s Immigration and Asylum Agency (AIMA). These rules now require detailed proof of residence—specifically a declaration from the homeowner—and verified income statements for residency approval or renewal. Many migrants, who have lived in Portugal for years, report being unable to meet these demands, as landlords often refuse to provide the required declarations. Additionally, families must now justify their income according to the number of household members. Bangladeshi residents like Kamruzzaman, who have been living in Portugal for over six years, fear losing their legal status despite having previously renewed their permits without issue. The recent tightening of immigration laws, approved by Portugal’s parliament on September 30, has created widespread anxiety and uncertainty among expatriate communities awaiting final implementation.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a public warning urging citizens not to provide personal details such as name, address, phone number, or national ID to suspicious websites or mobile apps claiming affiliation with the bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The alert follows reports of several fraudulent platforms, including dbbloan.com, bblloan.com, and bdloan71.com, which falsely use the names and logos of Bangladesh Bank and the IMF to lure people with fake loan offers. The central bank clarified that it has no connection with these entities and warned that such scams could lead to financial losses or legal risks. It also reminded the public that operating or participating in unauthorized online or offline loan platforms violates the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024, and offenders may face up to five years in jail or fines up to 5 million taka.

The U.S. Senate has once again failed to pass a key spending bill required to end the ongoing government shutdown, marking the fifth consecutive deadlock. Both Democratic and Republican proposals were rejected—Democrats’ bill fell short with 45–50 votes, while Republicans’ plan was defeated 52–42, leaving federal operations paralyzed for the fifth straight day. Democrats seek to prioritize healthcare funding and restore Medicaid subsidies, while Republicans demand a “clean” bill without new spending commitments. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to negotiate but insisted that the government must first reopen. Meanwhile, thousands of federal employees continue to work without pay. The White House has begun procedures for potential layoffs if the impasse persists. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer denied claims of ongoing talks with Trump, deepening the political standoff as uncertainty grips Washington.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has officially enforced a ban on single-use plastic (SUP) inside the Secretariat. On Tuesday, October 7, three monitoring teams from the ministry, along with law enforcement agencies, conducted special drives at gates 2 and 5 to ensure compliance. Visitors and officials carrying banned plastic or polythene items had them confiscated and were instead provided with eco-friendly cloth bags. Authorities also issued strict instructions prohibiting future entry with plastic items. Law enforcement members stationed at all entry points are conducting regular checks to prevent SUP from entering the premises. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and encourage the use of sustainable alternatives. Ministry officials confirmed that this campaign marks the beginning of a nationwide expansion to eliminate single-use plastic from all government offices, promoting environmental protection and sustainable living.

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 Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a significant reshuffle involving five officers holding the rank of Additional Deputy Police Commissioner (ADC). According to two official orders signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali, NDC, on Monday, October 6, the reassignments were made to enhance efficiency and strengthen various operational wings of the DMP. As per the order, ADC Moeed Mohammad Rubel from the City Administration and Logistics Division has been transferred to the Public Order Management (East) Division. Mohammad Belayet Hossain, previously an Assistant Police Commissioner in the Detective Branch’s Motijheel Division, has been promoted to ADC in the Detective Branch. Meanwhile, Md. Akhtaruzzaman, who served as Assistant Police Commissioner of the Traffic-Wari Division’s Jatrabari Zone, has been reassigned as ADC of the Prosecution Division. These new appointments reflect DMP’s ongoing efforts to ensure effective leadership across its departments.

Bangladesh has been elected as the president of UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference, marking a historic diplomatic and cultural achievement for the nation. Interim government’s Cultural Affairs Adviser, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, announced the news on social media, revealing that Bangladesh secured victory over Japan by a margin of 30–27 votes. Initially, South Korea and India were also in the running but later withdrew their candidacies in the final stage of the election. The upcoming 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference will take place from October 30 to November 13 this year in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, at the Silk Road Conference Center. This election result is widely viewed as a recognition of Bangladesh’s growing international presence and contribution to global cultural diplomacy. Presiding over such a prestigious event underscores the nation’s role in shaping international policies on education, science, and culture.

Interim government’s financial adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that financial benefits for officials and employees of government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned organizations are being increased. Alongside, the government plans to introduce a new pay scale soon. He also stated that arrears related to subsidies are being cleared. Following an advisory council meeting on public procurement, he dismissed reports suggesting the government is worried about financing the increased expenditure due to stagnant revenue collection. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that while the economy remains stable, challenges such as poverty reduction and food price inflation persist. To ensure food security, the government decided to import 50,000 metric tons each of wheat and rice—wheat from the United States and rice from India. He added that there is no shortage of rice in the country, but maintaining adequate reserves is essential. The Open Market Sale (OMS) program has also resumed to control prices.

Amid a prolonged drought in South Sudan, remote villages like Lohobohobo rely on traditional rainmakers to secure crops and livelihoods. Solomon Atur, a local rainmaker, was blamed for failing to bring rain and fled in fear, but was forcibly returned and buried alive by villagers. This tragic event underscores the deadly consequences of extreme superstition compounded by food insecurity and climate stress. Over the past four decades, several rainmakers in the disappearing mountain ranges have faced similar fates, including burial, burning, or exile. Experts say the climate crisis, recurring droughts, and rising frustration among agrarian communities are fueling violence against traditional practitioners, reflecting the dangerous intersection of environmental hardship and local beliefs. Al Jazeera confirmed the incident through multiple sources, including family members and local officials.