China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have signed an upgraded “3.0” version of their free trade agreement, aiming to deepen economic cooperation across infrastructure, digitalization, green transition, trade facilitation, and people-to-people exchange. The agreement was signed on October 28 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Trade between China and ASEAN has steadily grown despite global trade tensions, reaching $785 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 9.6% increase from last year. The rise reflects both industrial supply chain products and an increasing share of Chinese consumer goods in Southeast Asian markets. Officials expect the new agreement to broaden and enhance high-quality economic collaboration between the two regions.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain has stated that the government has taken legal steps to request the return of Sheikh Hasina following court directives, and the matter now awaits India’s response. Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28 October, he criticized Bangladeshi journalists who visited India, saying that when India’s Foreign Secretary emphasized the need for an inclusive and transparent election, no journalists asked critical questions regarding the last 15 years or the previous election formula. Hossain expressed surprise that senior and experienced journalists missed the opportunity to raise relevant issues. He also commented on the appointment of the new UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, assuring that no candidate who could create controversy or problems would be appointed.

At the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, China clearly signaled its support for open trade and regional economic cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to safeguard East Asia’s peace and stability, uphold free and multilateral trade systems, and reject protectionism—remarks widely seen as a subtle critique of U.S. high-tariff policies. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump signed new trade framework agreements with four countries but avoided meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had offered dialogue to ease trade tensions. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reported that his meeting with Trump resulted in more favorable trade terms for Brazil, easing previous tensions. The China-led RCEP bloc, representing nearly 30% of global GDP, called for rapid expansion, while Europe and Japan expressed concern over China’s rare earth export controls affecting global supply chains. China’s message at ASEAN was clear: positioning itself as a global free trade advocate.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Md. Moazzem Hossain, APS to Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and Tuhin Farabi, PO to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, over serious corruption allegations, including bribery, favoritism in contracts, and commission in procurement. The ACC’s intelligence unit found preliminary evidence, including irregular bank transactions, yet public investigation remains stalled more than seven months after the inquiry began. Investigators cite influence from powerful quarters and fear of repercussions as reasons for the delay. Both officials were removed from their posts earlier this year. Experts and activists have criticized the ACC’s slow response, noting a pattern of selective enforcement that targets opposition figures while high-profile individuals aligned with past governments face little action. Meanwhile, cases against former ministers and MPs have already progressed.

Pakistan is reportedly considering sending troops to Gaza as part of the proposed International Stability Force (ISF), a multinational peacekeeping mission backed by the United States to ensure stability in the war-torn region. According to Islamabad officials, talks between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership are in advanced stages, and a formal announcement could come soon. The ISF, expected to comprise soldiers from Muslim-majority countries, aims to enforce a fragile ceasefire, disarm Hamas, secure Gaza’s borders, and assist in humanitarian relief under an interim Palestinian authority. The U.S. has denied plans to deploy its own troops but is engaging with Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan for contributions. Pakistani officials cite moral and diplomatic obligations as reasons for joining the mission, while Israel has opposed Turkish participation in the force.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced that 13 Ansar members will be stationed at each polling center during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Four of them will carry firearms, while one armed member will be specifically assigned to protect the presiding officer. Speaking at a vehicle handover ceremony organized by the Bangladesh Ansar Welfare Trust in Khilgaon, Dhaka, he emphasized that this will be the largest deployment of Ansar personnel in any national election. The adviser noted that Ansar members will serve for nine days during the election period to ensure security and order. Praising their contribution, he said Ansar and VDP play a vital role in maintaining national peace and stability. Responding to a question about weapons looted during the July uprising, he said recovery operations are ongoing and intensifying as the election draws closer.

U.S. Senator Rick Scott has declared that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s rule is nearing its end, urging him to flee the country before it’s too late. In an interview with CBS, the Florida Republican warned that Maduro’s “days are numbered” and suggested he should seek refuge in Russia or China. Scott dismissed the likelihood of a U.S. military invasion but predicted that “something will happen—either internally or externally.” His comments came amid escalating regional tensions, following the arrival of a U.S. warship in Trinidad and Tobago and renewed pressure from the Trump administration on Venezuela. Earlier, President Donald Trump had authorized CIA operations in the country. Scott suggested that ousting Maduro could signal the eventual downfall of Cuba, a longtime adversary of U.S. influence. Meanwhile, Venezuela has accused Washington of trying to ignite a “new endless war” and deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S missiles to boost its air defense.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for significant reforms in the UN Security Council, highlighting its lack of representation for Africa, Latin America, and several Asian countries. Speaking at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, he emphasized the need to review the veto powers of permanent members, noting proposals from the UK and France to limit their use. Guterres also addressed global financial inequalities, advocating a more inclusive and fair governance structure and urging multilateral development banks to triple their lending capacity for developing nations. On climate change, he stressed that G20 countries, responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions, must lead initiatives, while all nations contribute according to their capacity. He called for concrete agreements at the upcoming Brazil conference to limit warming to 1.5°C and ensure $1.3 trillion in annual climate funding for developing countries by 2035.

Malaysia has confirmed its readiness to participate in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasizing the country’s willingness to work alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other like-minded nations. The announcement followed a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s firm support for Palestine and welcomed international legal positions condemning Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The discussion also covered Malaysia’s support for UN reforms, including the “Pact for the Future” and “UN80 Initiative,” ASEAN peace efforts in Thailand and Cambodia, inclusive dialogue in Myanmar, and global climate action, including Malaysia’s submission of its NDC 3.0 ahead of COP30. Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development and ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The Ministry of Food has refuted recent claims in a national daily suggesting that Bangladesh is buying U.S. wheat at inflated prices due to government contracts. The ministry emphasized that wheat imports are conducted under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between Bangladesh and the United States, ensuring full transparency and adherence to international standards. In the first phase, 220,000 metric tons of wheat were imported at $302.75 per ton, followed by the second phase at $308 per ton. Comparisons made with Russian wheat prices in the media were misleading, as U.S. wheat costs include transportation, insurance, and port handling, whereas Russian prices reflect only delivery to the port. U.S. wheat is also nutritionally superior, containing 13.5% protein compared to Russia’s 11%. Considering quality, protein content, and transport costs, the slightly higher price is reasonable. The ministry affirmed that the entire import process remains competitive and fully government-approved.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has officially named Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh as his temporary successor should he be unable to carry out his duties. The announcement, published by the official WAFA news agency, clarifies that Al-Sheikh will oversee the organization of elections according to Palestinian law and hand over power to the elected government. Abbas’s decision effectively cancels Decree No. 1 of the Palestinian constitution, which previously designated the chairman or speaker of the Palestinian National Council as interim president in such cases. Abbas emphasized that the move aims to protect the political system, national security, and constitutional institutions of Palestine. Having led Palestine for over 20 years, Abbas first assumed office in January 2005 after the passing of Yasser Arafat in 2004.

The National Consensus Commission is set to formally submit its recommendations to the government today (October 28) regarding the implementation of the July National Charter. The final meeting of the commission took place on Monday at the chief adviser’s residence, chaired by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Commission Vice-Chair Ali Riaz, six members, and Special Assistant Monir Haidar were present. Members urged the government to also act on other reform commissions’ reports. Dr. Yunus emphasized the preservation of all documents, recordings, and visuals related to the commission’s work. The National July Charter, signed on October 17 by 24 political parties including the BNP-Jamaat alliance, aims to build a permanent culture of accountability and good governance. Gano Forum joined later, while NCP and some left parties are yet to sign. The commission’s recommendations are based on extensive consultations with political leaders, legal experts, and civil society representatives.

Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken warned that if Russia were to launch a missile strike on Brussels — the centre of NATO — the alliance would respond decisively, bluntly saying that “if Moscow fires a missile at Brussels, we will wipe Moscow off the map.” In an interview with Flemish daily De Morgen, reported by international outlets, Francken dismissed European doubts about United States commitment to Article 5, citing President Donald Trump’s pledge of full backing for NATO allies. He announced about 600 F-35 jets would be deployed across Europe, arguing those aircraft pose detection challenges for Russian forces. Francken cautioned against underestimating Russia’s military-industrial capacity and said Moscow has increased munitions production. He warned a potential Russia–China alignment could challenge the West and stressed the need for unity and stronger European defence coordination. His remarks underscore rising tensions, NATO deterrence postures and political debates over defence preparedness in Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially annulled the long-suspended plutonium disposal agreement with the United States by signing a new law on October 27. The agreement, originally signed in 2000, required both nations to eliminate 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium each — enough to make about 17,000 nuclear warheads — in a way that made it unusable for military purposes. Russia had already suspended the deal in 2016, accusing Washington of violating the terms by adopting an alternative plutonium disposal method. Moscow also cited U.S. “hostile actions” and NATO’s expansion as reasons for the final withdrawal. Analysts warn that the move marks another blow to the fragile framework of nuclear disarmament and may escalate tensions between Moscow and Washington, especially as the New START treaty approaches its 2026 expiry, raising concerns over renewed nuclear arms competition and global security instability.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has presented 15 proposals to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) demanding reforms to ensure transparency, coordination, and timely recruitment in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations. A three-member NCP delegation met the PSC chairman and emphasized addressing long-standing discrimination and inefficiency within the public administration system. The proposals call for amending non-cadre rules, expediting the publication of pending BCS results, and completing each BCS cycle within a calendar year. Other recommendations include publishing exam marks for transparency, reducing police verification delays, and establishing a cluster-based exam system. NCP leaders accused bureaucrats of exploiting the system for personal gain and urged the ministry to prioritize job seekers’ welfare. They warned that continued inefficiency could fuel youth resentment.