Bangladesh’s inflation rate edged higher in September, heightening consumer discomfort as both food and non-food prices saw increases. According to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on October 6, overall inflation rose to 8.36%, up from 8.29% in August. Food inflation climbed to 7.64%, while non-food inflation reached 8.98%. Rural areas experienced slightly higher inflation at 8.47%, compared to 8.28% in urban areas. In rural regions, food inflation was 7.54% and non-food inflation 9.40%, while in cities, the figures stood at 7.94% and 8.51%, respectively. The continued rise in prices across sectors suggests sustained economic strain on households, particularly amid rising living costs and declining purchasing power.

The price of gold in Bangladesh has surged to an all-time high, with 22-carat gold exceeding 200,000 taka per vori for the first time. The Bangladesh Jewelers Association (BAJUS) announced that starting Tuesday, October 11, the new rate for 22-carat gold will be 200,726 taka per vori, marking an increase of 3,150 taka within 24 hours. Other gold carats have also seen price hikes: 21-carat at 191,605 taka, 18-carat at 164,229 taka, and traditional method gold at 136,445 taka per vori. The rise is attributed to the increase in pure gold prices in the local market. Buyers are required to include a 5% government VAT and a 6% minimum labor cost, though labor charges may vary depending on design and quality. Silver prices remain unchanged with 22-carat silver at 3,628 taka per vori.

A devastating school building collapse in Indonesia’s East Java province has left at least 50 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). The collapse occurred as construction workers were adding a new floor to the existing structure without sufficient foundation support. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 people still missing. Around 60 percent of the debris has been cleared, though an adjacent building also collapsed, worsening the devastation. Teachers reported that authorities ignored structural warnings before the expansion project began. Emergency crews continue to search for survivors amid fears that the death toll could rise. The government has ordered a full investigation into the incident, focusing on safety violations and negligence in the school’s expansion project.

The Nobel Prize season has officially begun, with the announcement of this year’s laureates starting today. Following tradition, the Nobel Prize in Medicine will be revealed first, with the winners of Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economics to be announced on subsequent days. While five of the prizes are declared from Stockholm, Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize is announced from Oslo, Norway. The awards are presented in the name of Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, and funded through his estate. The Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 1901, making them among the most prestigious and valuable recognitions in the world. The Economics Prize, introduced in 1968, is now awarded alongside the original five categories and holds equal status. Winners receive a gold medal, certificate, and a cash prize of 11 million Swedish kronor. The awards ceremony will take place on December 10, marking Nobel’s death anniversary.

The final witness in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex–Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will be cross-examined today (October 6) by state-appointed defense lawyer Md Amir Hossain before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. The witness, chief investigator Md Alamgir, earlier testified about the July–August massacre, claiming killings occurred in 438 locations across 41 districts, with deadly weapons used in more than 50 districts. He cited evidence of 305,000 bullets fired on protesters and video footage documenting the brutality. His statements, broadcast nationally and internationally, implicated Hasina and Kamal as responsible for crimes against humanity. Following this final cross-examination, the tribunal will proceed to arguments and verdict. A total of 54 witnesses have testified in the 25-day-long proceedings, detailing large-scale violence, state involvement, and appeals for exemplary punishment from victims’ families.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced the launch of a National Green Mission, outlining a bold environmental and urban reform agenda aimed at creating a sustainable Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on Sunday night (October 5), he pledged to plant 250 million trees, restore rivers, transform waste into resources, modernize agriculture, and expand investment in renewable energy. He also highlighted the importance of developing coastal economies to empower youth and reduce Dhaka-centric growth by promoting balanced urbanization across regions. Emphasizing housing as a fundamental human right, he underscored that environmental stability is essential for national prosperity. On World Habitat Day, Rahman reaffirmed BNP’s 31-point plan as a roadmap for solving national challenges, particularly focusing on climate protection and planned urban decentralization. He urged collective effort to safeguard the nation’s environment and future.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has alleged that fascist collaborators, aided by foreign influence, attempted to create communal tension during the recent Durga Puja festival by portraying demons with beards resembling the Chief Adviser’s face. Speaking to reporters after a core committee meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, he said the conspiracy was designed to provoke religious division and violence. He credited law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and Puja organizers for foiling the plan through close coordination and vigilance. Jahangir claimed that a neighboring country was involved in a campaign to humiliate the Chief Adviser by manipulating the design of idols, linking it to the controversial demon depiction. The meeting also reviewed national law and order, drug trafficking, extortion, Rohingya issues, and upcoming election preparations. He urged journalists to act patriotically, emphasizing that such divisive plots are part of a broader fascist attempt to destabilize Bangladesh’s communal harmony and democratic progress.

The newly formed National Pay Commission has begun work to propose a new salary structure for government employees, with recommendations expected within six months. A key focus is adjusting the current 20-grade system, potentially reducing the number of grades and aligning salaries proportionally. The commission is also taking inflation and ongoing discussions about salary ratios for lowest and highest grades—such as 12:1, 10:1, and 8:1—into consideration. Officials have hinted that under the new scale, basic salaries could nearly double, with Grade 1 reaching up to 156,000 BDT and Grade 20 starting at 16,500 BDT. Economic advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that the new pay structure will be implemented during the current interim government’s term and will not wait for the next political administration. The last pay scale, introduced in 2015, saw significant increases, with top-grade salaries rising 195% and lowest-grade salaries by 201%.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has revealed a draft design for a one-dollar coin featuring former President Donald Trump, as part of plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The proposed design shows Trump’s profile on the front, with the word “Liberty” above and the years “1776–2026” below. The draft image was first shared on social media platform X by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beech, later officially confirmed by the Treasury Office. This proposed coin would be part of a limited-edition series recognizing figures linked to the nation’s political and historical legacy. The idea has sparked both interest and debate across political circles, as Trump’s inclusion on currency would mark an unprecedented move in modern U.S. history.

Saudi Arabia has announced sweeping changes to the Umrah pilgrimage process, introducing ten new rules to ensure transparency and order. Pilgrims must now apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through the Nusuk platform and book approved hotels and transport during the visa process. Staying with relatives requires linking the host’s Saudi ID, while tourist visas can no longer be used for Umrah. Authorities will verify bookings at airports, and only authorized taxis, buses, or trains may be used. The Haramain train will not run after 9 PM, requiring advance transport arrangements for late arrivals. Some travelers from the UK, US, Canada, and Schengen nations may receive visas on arrival under specific conditions. Travel itineraries submitted with visas cannot be altered, and overstaying will incur heavy fines. Both pilgrims and agents face strict penalties for violations, with fines starting from 750 riyals. The new rules aim to streamline the Umrah journey and prevent misuse of the system.

Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued four fishermen who had been held captive for ten days by notorious Sundarbans bandit Jahangir’s gang. Acting on secret intelligence, the Coast Guard launched an operation in the Arabauni canal area near the Shibsha River. During the raid, Coast Guard members fired two blank rounds, prompting the bandits to flee. A search of a gang boat led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun, two airguns, and three live cartridges. The rescued fishermen—Mofizul Islam, Habibur Rahman, Habibur, and Shahjahan Gazi—reported they were tortured while being held for ransom. No arrests were made during the operation, but legal proceedings are underway. Lt. Ikra Mohammad Nasim, Executive Officer of Coast Guard warship BCGS Tawhid, confirmed preparations are ongoing to return the freed fishermen to their families. Authorities emphasized that efforts to eliminate piracy in the Sundarbans will continue to protect fishing communities from repeated abductions and extortion by armed gangs.

Several drones spotted in the airspace over Munich Airport, Germany’s second-busiest airport, forced authorities to suspend all flights late Thursday night, affecting over 30 flights and leaving nearly 3,000 passengers stranded. Flight operations resumed early Friday morning, with Lufthansa confirming that 19 of its flights were impacted—some canceled and others diverted. Police reported multiple drone sightings around 9:30 p.m. and an hour later, leading to a one-hour closure of both runways. The airport provided stranded travelers with camp beds, blankets, food, and drinks. German authorities have launched an investigation to identify the source of the drones, deploying police helicopters, though details on the type and number of drones remain unknown. The incident follows similar disruptions across Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Poland, and coincides with German Unity Day and the final weekend of Munich’s Oktoberfest celebration.

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.

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.