In Dhaka’s Mirpur Senpara area, a passenger bus operated by Alif Transport was shot at and set on fire on October 3 near Metro Rail’s Pillar No. 266. The attack occurred after the bus was signaled to stop, and the driver and assistant were beaten while passengers fled. Police suspect the incident stems from a recent dispute over bus ownership, with some recently laid-off employees reportedly involved. No arrests have been made so far, and the bus owner has been advised to file a case.

In Mirpur’s Senpara area of Dhaka, a passenger bus operated by Alif Transport was set on fire by unknown miscreants on Friday morning. The fire broke out at 7:23 a.m. and was brought under control by the Fire Service by 7:35 a.m. Two units from the Mirpur Fire Station responded promptly. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage, and no casualties have been reported so far.

A passenger bus lost control and fell into a roadside ditch in Rajoir, Madaripur, early Thursday, killing one woman and injuring at least 15 others. The accident occurred near the Rajoir bus stand on the Dhaka-Barishal highway. The deceased was identified as 30-year-old Yasmin Nila of Bakerganj, Barishal. Locals rushed the injured to Rajoir Upazila Health Complex and nearby clinics. Police confirmed that a Dhaka-bound Chandra Paribahan bus veered off the road, causing the fatal accident.

At least 13 people, including six women and minors, died when a trolley parked on a temporary bridge for Durga idol immersion slipped into a lake in Khandoa district, Madhya Pradesh, on October 2. Rescue teams recovered the bodies, while an eight-year-old girl remains missing. Three injured girls are receiving hospital treatment. Officials estimate 30–32 people were in the trolley. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced ₹4 lakh compensation for victims’ families and directed proper medical care for the injured.

Ahmad Rafique, noted poet, essayist, Rabindra researcher, and veteran of Bangladesh’s Language Movement, passed away at 96 in Dhaka’s BIRDEM Hospital on Thursday night. He had been suffering from kidney complications and several mild strokes in recent weeks, eventually placed on life support before his death. Born in Brahmanbaria in 1929, Rafique lived alone in Dhaka after losing his wife in 2006. Childless, he leaves behind a vast personal collection of books as his lasting legacy.

Cyclone Shakti has formed over the Bay of Bengal after intensifying from a deep depression. While not expected to cross Bangladesh directly, its impact is already being felt with heavy rains and strong winds in the south. The storm may make landfall in India’s Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast tonight. Bangladesh, along with India’s West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya, could face heavy to very heavy rainfall until October 5. Flood warnings have been issued for seven low-lying districts in Bangladesh.

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter said this season’s hilsa production has been lower than expected due to jatka catching, widespread use of current and Chinese nets, and blocked river routes. A 22-day fishing ban from October 4–25 will be strictly enforced with police, navy, air force, and drones to protect spawning hilsa. Last year, 52.5% of mother hilsa were safeguarded, and greater success is expected this year. Diplomats also joined cultural events at Kumudini Welfare Trust in Tangail.

The government has extended the tenure of the independent investigation commission probing the 2009 BDR massacre at Pilkhana headquarters until November 30. Originally formed on December 24 last year with Major General (Retd.) A L M Fazlur Rahman as chairman, the commission was initially given three months, later extended twice by three months each, ending September 30. A new extension order, effective from October 1, was issued Tuesday night by the Cabinet Division. The commission’s mandate includes uncovering the nature of the tragic events on February 25–26, 2009, identifying perpetrators, instigators, conspirators, evidence destroyers, and both domestic and international actors involved. This extension aims to ensure a comprehensive and conclusive report on one of the most tragic episodes in Bangladesh’s history, which left the nation in deep shock and mourning.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to the Hindu community on Durga Puja and Vijayadashami, emphasizing peace, harmony, and security for all. In a statement, he said Bangladesh’s heritage is built on religious coexistence and cultural values, where festivals unite people across faiths. Stressing that “religion belongs to individuals, but security is the responsibility of the state,” he called upon Hindu citizens to celebrate freely without fear. He cited constitutional guarantees of equal protection and referenced Islamic teachings against injustice to non-Muslims. Rahman urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to prevent communal unrest or security threats. He asserted that ensuring mutual respect, brotherhood, and safety is not just a constitutional duty but also a moral responsibility, and that resisting oppression and protecting diversity is essential for a just and democratic Bangladesh.

Malaysia is set to introduce a groundbreaking reform in its labor market, making Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions mandatory for foreign workers from October 2025. Both employers and employees must contribute 2% of monthly wages, creating long-term retirement savings opportunities for over two million legal migrant workers. However, domestic workers will remain exempt. To qualify, workers must hold valid passports and immigration-approved work passes. The policy aims to strengthen social security, ensure labor market fairness, and provide equal retirement benefits regardless of nationality. Authorities have already begun meetings with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and employer groups, to ensure smooth implementation. Registration will be available online or at EPF offices, with biometric updates required from January 2026. Experts believe this marks a historic step in labor reforms, though challenges remain in compliance and enforcement.

A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena University reveals a historic shift in American attitudes toward Israel. Nearly two years into Israel’s Gaza offensive, support among US voters has dropped dramatically, with many opposing additional American financial and military aid. While 47% backed Israel after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, new data shows only 34% still support Israel, compared to 35% siding with Palestinians, and 31% choosing neutrality. Six in ten Americans now want Israel to stop the war even without freeing all hostages or defeating Hamas. Almost 40% believe Israel is deliberately killing civilians in Gaza—double last year’s number. The survey, conducted in English and Spanish with 1,313 respondents nationwide, highlights a record-breaking anti-Israel sentiment not seen since polling began in 1998, with sympathy increasingly tilting toward Palestinians.

Around 3.75 lakh teachers and staff from non-government schools and colleges under the MPO scheme are set to receive their September salaries and allowances by mid-next week. The delay occurred due to the Durga Puja holiday, which suspended office activities. According to an official from the Education Management Information System (EMIS) under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, the salaries have already been deposited into iBAS and will be disbursed on October 6 or 7. Earlier, on September 28, the proposal for disbursement was sent to the Education Ministry. Among the total staff, nearly 2.89 lakh work in schools, while over 86,000 are employed in colleges. This update brings relief to MPO-enlisted teachers and employees who had been waiting for their payments.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has said extortion has sharply increased in Bangladesh since August 5 of last year, stressing that without political commitment and an elected government, it cannot be controlled. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, he explained that where extortion once demanded one unit, it now demands one and a half or even two. He noted that both new and old groups are involved, and many extortionists are also members of business organizations. This illegal practice has been pushing up commodity prices, he warned, though he emphasized that controlling it is not his ministry’s job, nor is the interim government inclined to pursue arrests. However, he expressed hope that inflation would decline to 7 percent by June next year despite these challenges.

The United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York hosts a high-level international conference today focusing on the plight of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Representatives from at least 75 countries and organizations, including heads of state and government, are participating. The meeting aims to strengthen political support, maintain global attention, review the crisis, and adopt measures to address root causes and human rights concerns. A key priority is ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will deliver the opening speech. Turkey will represent the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while Kuwait will represent the Gulf Cooperation Council. Ahead of the event, UN officials held talks with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser on funding, repatriation roadmap, refugee education, and addressing the conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued an urgent directive ensuring that import-export operations will continue during the upcoming Durga Puja holidays. According to a notification issued on September 30, customs houses and stations will remain partially operational on October 1 and 2, despite being official holidays. This measure is intended to keep trade uninterrupted and facilitate smooth handling of imports and exports. The NBR instructed all concerned authorities to take necessary steps for maintaining limited services during the holidays. Previously, similar arrangements were made during Eid holidays. This year, October 1 is a government-declared special holiday, and October 2 is a general holiday for Durga Puja. Combined with the weekend on October 3 and 4, government employees will enjoy a continuous four-day holiday.