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.

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.

The July Charter signing ceremony, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, has been postponed to Friday, October 17, to allow wider public participation. The decision was made during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday, October 11. After the meeting, Commission Vice-Chair Professor Dr. Ali Riaz announced that the July National Charter signing is a historic event. To facilitate attendance, it will now take place on the South Plaza of the National Parliament building on Friday afternoon. The meeting also decided that representatives from different political parties, alliances, and professional groups will be invited to attend the ceremony. Other attendees at the meeting included Commission Member Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haydar.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that the viva voce (oral) examination for the 49th Special BCS will begin on October 26, following the release of the written exam results within 7 to 10 days. The written examination for the Education Cadre, conducted on October 10 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, was held exclusively in Dhaka metropolitan centers with 374,752 registered candidates, though the exact attendance has not yet been confirmed. Candidates who pass the written test will be eligible to participate in the viva. Through this 49th BCS, 653 lecturer positions in government general colleges and 30 in teacher training colleges will be filled. The Bengali department has the highest number of vacancies at 61, followed by Political Science (55), English (50), Economics (40), Philosophy (30), Chemistry (30), and Islamic History and Culture (32).

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and activist Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being abducted from the Freedom Flotilla’s ship “Conscience” on October 8 by Israeli occupation forces. Following his capture, he was taken to Israel’s Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert, where numerous Palestinian prisoners are reportedly subjected to severe mistreatment. Dr. Alam was freed earlier today and has arrived in Turkey on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921. According to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey, Amanul Haque, he will return home tonight on another Turkish Airlines flight departing Istanbul at 6:45 p.m. local time (9:45 p.m. Bangladesh time). The flight is expected to land in Dhaka early Saturday morning at 4:55 a.m. His release has brought relief and joy to colleagues, human rights advocates, and supporters across Bangladesh who had been calling for his safe return.

Internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi photographer and writer Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being abducted by Israeli occupation forces on October 8 from the Freedom Flotilla ship Conscience. He was detained at Israel’s Ketziot Prison, located in the Negev Desert, known for holding Palestinian prisoners under harsh conditions. Shahidul Alam arrived safely in Turkey today on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921. The Chief Adviser’s Office confirmed his arrival, stating that Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, welcomed him at the airport. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan played a vital role in facilitating Alam’s release, for which Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude. Shahidul was among several journalists, activists, and medical workers detained from the flotilla by Israeli forces. He is expected to return to Bangladesh soon following his release.

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and human rights activist Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being detained along with other journalists, medics, and crew members aboard the Conscience, a ship of the Freedom Flotilla bound for Gaza. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces on October 8, and all aboard were taken to Ashdod Port and later transferred to the Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert, known for harsh conditions. His release was confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, which also announced that he boarded a flight from Israel to Istanbul with Turkish assistance. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for facilitating Alam’s release. Shahidul Alam is expected to return home soon, marking the end of his brief but intense detention that sparked international concern and renewed calls for humanitarian access to Gaza.

The government has approved a new policy to provide a monthly state allowance to senior journalists aged 65 and above. Under the initiative, eligible journalists will receive 10,000 taka each month as financial support, especially aimed at those facing economic hardship. The policy was finalized during a meeting at the Secretariat, chaired by Md. Kawser Ahmad, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Initially, the allowance will cover senior journalists in divisional and district towns, with plans to expand both coverage and the honorarium amount gradually. The draft policy, prepared by the Journalists’ Welfare Trust, had proposed 15,000 taka, but the ministry finalized it at 10,000 taka. Journalists with at least 25 years of experience can apply once the advisory approval and official gazette notification are issued. The scheme is seen as a recognition of lifelong contributions to journalism and media.

In a major anti-drug operation in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area, the Bangladesh Army arrested notorious drug dealer Shis Nabi, 35, seizing a total of 345 yaba tablets. Acting on confidential information, a special army patrol from Kamrangirchar Army Camp conducted the operation on Wednesday, October 8, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Initially, 200 yaba tablets were recovered from Nabi himself, followed by a search of his residence, which yielded another 145 tablets. Sources indicate that Nabi had long been involved in the supply and wholesale distribution of yaba, spreading drugs throughout Kamrangirchar and surrounding areas. After initial questioning by the army, he was handed over to Kamrangirchar Police Station. Police have filed a case against him under the Narcotics Control Act. Authorities say the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb drug distribution in Dhaka’s capital region.

Dr. Tofail Ahmed, a distinguished local government expert, researcher, and former member and chairman of the Local Government Reform Commission, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, at a private hospital in Dhaka. A retired professor of the Department of Public Administration at Chittagong University and a Syndicate member, Dr. Ahmed was widely recognized for his pioneering research on Bangladesh’s local government system. During the caretaker government of 2024, he served as the head of the Local Government Reform Commission, providing constructive and practical recommendations for improving local governance. He also contributed extensively to academic literature, authoring nearly 20 books in Bengali and English, along with numerous articles in national and international journals. Dr. Ahmed served as a Local Governance Advisor for the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed profound sorrow, prayed for the departed soul, and extended heartfelt condolences to Dr. Ahmed’s family, colleagues, and well-wishers.