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.

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.

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.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have reached a new all-time high following another price hike announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The BAJUS Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring made the decision during a meeting held on Sunday. According to a notice signed by the committee chairman, Masudur Rahman, the price of 22-carat gold—the highest quality available—has been increased by Tk 1,050 per bhori (11.664 grams). With this adjustment, each bhori of 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 217,382. The association explained that the price hike was made in response to the rising cost of pure or raw gold in the local market. The new rates will officially take effect from Monday, October 20. This marks yet another historic peak for gold prices in the country, reflecting ongoing volatility in global and domestic precious metal markets.

MPO-affiliated teachers from private schools have announced an indefinite hunger strike starting Monday, October 20, demanding three major points, including a 20% salary increase and house rent allowance. The announcement was made by Delwar Hossain Azizi, secretary of the education nationalization coalition, at Mazar More near the High Court on Sunday. Following the announcement, teachers started a hunger march from the Central Shaheed Minar, remaining there until 5:00 pm. Meanwhile, the government has approved a 5% house rent allowance for private school teachers under the MPO scheme despite budget constraints, according to Finance Ministry orders issued Sunday. Education advisor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar urged teachers to return to classrooms while accepting the new allowance arrangement. The government’s decision marks a partial response to the teachers’ ongoing demands.

The Advisory Committee on the Review of RAJUK’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022–2035 has approved draft amendments that will increase floor area ratio (FAR) and population density across most urban areas under RAJUK’s jurisdiction, while strictly prohibiting construction on agricultural land. The amendments consolidate watercourses into designated flood flow zones, introduce incentives for Transit-Oriented Development and block-based regeneration, and align building regulations with the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020). Additional measures include mandatory sewerage treatment plants for large plots, green building incentives, streamlined approval processes for large projects, and provisions considering disaster management. The amended DAP is expected to be published soon in the official gazette. The committee held extensive consultations with multiple ministries and stakeholders before finalizing the proposals.

Following a massive fire at Dhaka’s Cargo Village, three international flights were forced to land at Sylhet Osmani Airport, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The district administration quickly arranged a special carriage on the Upaban Express train to transport passengers to Dhaka. On Saturday night, an extra carriage was attached to accommodate those traveling on emergency flights. The first flight from Riyadh carried 396 passengers, followed by flights from Singapore with 153 passengers and Malaysia with 75 passengers. Osmani International Airport Director Hafiz Uddin Ahmed confirmed that the airport can handle multiple flights simultaneously, and stranded passengers are receiving support from both the railway and district administration while waiting in airport lounges. Passengers expressed frustration over canceled flights, citing significant personal and financial inconveniences caused by the incident.

A devastating fire broke out on Saturday night at the Incepta Pharmaceuticals factory in Dhamrai’s Barobaria area, injuring at least ten workers. The blaze started around 8 p.m. on the fourth floor of Building No. 09, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit, and quickly spread throughout the structure, engulfing it in dense black smoke. Three units of the Dhamrai Fire Service rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control after nearly two hours of effort using the building’s hydrant system. No fatalities were reported, though the factory’s IPS power system sustained significant damage. Authorities have yet to determine the total losses. Panic initially spread among employees, but the swift response from firefighters prevented a larger catastrophe.

Following a string of devastating fires across Bangladesh—including a major blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport—the Police Headquarters has directed all police units to maintain the highest state of alert. Officials fear possible attacks targeting key point installations (KPIs), such as government buildings, airports, power plants, and national institutions. In response, additional patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance measures have been deployed nationwide, especially around 587 identified KPIs, including Bangabhaban, Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the National Parliament. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam said the directive aims to reinforce year-round security and ensure coordinated action among law enforcement and security agencies. The interim government assured citizens that all fire incidents are under thorough investigation, emphasizing that any act of sabotage or arson will face strong and immediate action. It urged unity and vigilance, asserting that fear must not undermine national stability and democratic resilience.

Teacher leaders of the “Nationalization Movement Unity Alliance” have expressed satisfaction following a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. During the meeting, held on Sunday (October 19) at BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Fakhrul assured that if BNP assumes power, all MPO-listed private educational institutions will be nationalized. Following the discussion, Member Secretary Delwar Hossain Aziz said Fakhrul had listened carefully to their demands and had also consulted BNP’s financial advisor over the phone to discuss the teachers’ proposals and related fiscal issues. The teacher delegation proposed a 20% increase in house rent allowance as an interim measure. Aziz added that the BNP leader’s sincerity and attention to implementation had given new momentum to their ongoing movement for nationalization. The teachers also plan to form a broader political unity to urge the government to consider their demands.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that a financially independent or self-sufficient wife cannot claim permanent alimony under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act. The bench, comprising Justices Anil Kshetrapal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, observed that permanent alimony is a measure of social justice, not a means of creating financial equality or redistribution of wealth between capable individuals. The ruling came while upholding a Family Court’s decision to dismiss a woman’s alimony claim and grant divorce to her husband, a lawyer. The wife, a senior Indian Railway Traffic Service officer, had demanded ₹50 lakh as a settlement. The court noted her substantial income and professional status, ruling that she was not entitled to financial support. The bench also cited evidence of the wife’s verbal and mental abuse toward her husband, affirming that the lower court’s decision was fair and legally justified.