The interim government is considering advanced surveillance measures for the upcoming national parliamentary elections, including the use of drones, installation of CCTV cameras at polling centers, and equipping police officers with body cameras. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the plans during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He said legal aspects are under review to ensure the measures comply with regulations. The proposals were discussed earlier in the day during an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In another announcement, the government decided to open a new Bangladeshi consulate in Detroit, Michigan, to expand diplomatic and consular services. The Chief Adviser directed that all operations be managed online, ensuring full digital capability from the consulate’s inception.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially announced the schedule for the 2025-26 academic year cluster admission tests. The examinations will begin on March 27, 2025, with the ‘C’ Unit test, followed by the ‘B’ Unit on April 3 and the ‘A’ Unit on April 10, allowing a one-week interval between each test. The meeting deciding the schedule was held on Thursday afternoon in the UGC conference room at Agargaon, Dhaka. Professor Dr. Tanzim Uddin Khan, UGC member in charge of public universities, delivered the welcome speech, while Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam and vice-chancellors of the cluster universities attended the meeting. The date for opening applications has not yet been announced and will be finalized in a subsequent meeting. Students across the country are now preparing to apply and sit for these highly competitive admission tests.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has set November 13 as the date for announcing the verdict in a war crimes case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused. The charges stem from alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 movement. The three-member bench, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, confirmed the date after concluding hearings on October 23. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman presented final arguments on behalf of the prosecution, while state-appointed defense counsel Md. Amir Hossain argued for the absconding accused, seeking acquittal. The defense challenged witness testimonies, claiming bias and coercion. The prosecution insisted the evidence proved command responsibility and direct involvement. The verdict is expected to have significant political and legal ramifications in Bangladesh’s ongoing accountability process.

In a major financial restructuring move, the Bangladesh government has approved the merger of five struggling Islamic banks—First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank—into a new state-owned entity named Combined Islami Bank. The initiative, approved by Bangladesh Bank, the Finance Ministry, and the Advisory Council, aims to stabilize the Islamic banking sector, which has been plagued by liquidity shortages and allegations of mismanagement. The new bank will start with a paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore and authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore, making it the largest bank in the country. The government will contribute Tk 20,000 crore, partly through sukuk bonds. A significant portion of the capital will go toward repaying depositors. Officials hope the merger will rebuild public trust, attract new deposits, and enhance remittance inflows under government ownership.

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has given preliminary approval to a bill that seeks to formally annex the occupied West Bank into Israeli territory, effectively extending Israeli sovereignty over the Palestinian land. The bill passed by a narrow 25–24 vote and must undergo three more rounds of voting before becoming law. Despite opposing the bill, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced support for it from some coalition and opposition members. The proposal has drawn sharp condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and Arab nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, all warning that it violates international law and threatens peace efforts. The move also contradicts recent U.S. policy statements discouraging annexation. Critics say the legislation undermines the two-state solution and further entrenches Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has publicly issued an unconditional apology on behalf of his party for any pain or harm caused by Jamaat since 1947. Speaking at a discussion with journalists in New York on October 22, he said that previous Jamaat leaders, including Ghulam Azam and Motiur Rahman Nizami, had also offered similar apologies. Dr. Rahman emphasized that as humans, Jamaat members could make mistakes and that acknowledging and apologizing for them was a moral responsibility. He reiterated that the apology extended up to October 22, 2025, covering all who may have suffered due to the party’s actions. The Jamaat chief also called for a referendum on political reforms, including proportional representation, before the upcoming national election. He assured that minorities would live safely under Jamaat’s rule and said the party seeks an equal, respectful relationship with India.

Pakistan has closed 10 refugee camps in Balochistan, resulting in the forced return of approximately 85,000 Afghan citizens. Operations targeting undocumented Afghans, especially in Quetta, are ongoing, with nearly 3,900 refugees detained just yesterday. Refugees report growing fear of leaving their homes as daily deportations continue. Pakistani officials, including Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, have pledged that returns will be conducted with dignity. Activists and Afghan authorities, however, warn that politicizing the issue and forcing repatriations violate international law and human rights standards. The situation highlights urgent humanitarian concerns amid rising political tensions, calling for international attention and support to ensure safe, voluntary returns for Afghan refugees and protection of their rights.

The interim government has initiated the formulation of a new national pay scale for government officers and employees, with the process led by a dedicated pay commission. In a significant development, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) announced that it is preparing a proposal to include private-sector salary recommendations in the same commission. FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir stated that the proposal, to be submitted soon, suggests setting a minimum monthly salary between Tk 25,000 and Tk 30,000 for all workers to ensure a humane standard of living. The government has confirmed that the pay commission’s work is progressing, and the final report will be submitted within the scheduled timeframe. Early indications suggest government salaries may nearly double. Alamgir emphasized that wages should uphold human dignity, reduce inequality, and prevent corruption across both public and private sectors.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam stated that an atmosphere is developing in Bangladesh for the formation of a caretaker government ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking at a training workshop for Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) in Dhaka, he emphasized that government officials should perform their duties with honesty, courage, and neutrality, without fear or political influence. Anwarul recalled that officials had the most freedom during previous caretaker governments and suggested a similar situation might be unfolding now. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin attended the event as the chief guest, while other commissioners and the EC’s senior secretary were also present. Another commissioner, Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah, described the upcoming election as one of the most consequential in the country’s history, urging UNOs to remain impartial. The national election, announced by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled for early February 2025.

The United States and India are close to finalizing a landmark bilateral trade agreement after years of deadlock. According to Mint, the deal could slash U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 50 percent to around 15–16 percent, with energy and agriculture at its core. During a recent phone conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump discussed trade and energy issues, with Modi reportedly assuring Trump that India would gradually reduce crude oil imports from Russia. The agreement may also see India importing more non-genetically modified corn and soybean meal from the U.S., alongside a process for periodic tariff and market-access reviews. The final announcement could come later this month during the ASEAN Summit.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain and Awami League lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan has said he has “no regrets” about his role during the mass uprising of July–August last year that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. Shakib was elected to parliament in a controversial January election but stayed abroad in the U.S. while violent crackdowns on protesters unfolded at home. Critics accused him of remaining silent despite being part of the ruling party. Speaking recently, Shakib acknowledged the criticism but defended his stance, saying he respects people’s opinions but feels no remorse. He claimed that over time, the public has started to “understand the real situation,” suggesting that the Awami League was not as bad as portrayed and that the July movement was misguided. Since the government’s fall, Shakib has been living abroad in what many describe as self-imposed exile.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the deployment of 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S surface-to-air missiles across the country amid rising tensions with the United States. Speaking on state television during a military event, Maduro emphasized that these portable, short-range defense systems can strike low-flying aircraft, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. He stated that the missiles have been positioned in all major defense zones — from the “last mountain to the last village.” The move comes as the U.S. has recently deployed 4,500 Marines and naval personnel in the Caribbean, citing anti-narcotics operations and regional security measures. However, Washington’s actions have drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers questioning their legality. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently revealed he authorized CIA covert missions in Venezuela, signaling possible American expansion of military activity in the region as part of efforts to pressure Maduro’s government.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has entered the third consecutive day of final appeal hearings regarding the reinstatement of the caretaker government system. The hearing began Thursday morning (October 23), led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed and a seven-member appellate bench. Earlier, on Wednesday, the legal team representing Badiul Alam Majumdar completed their arguments seeking restoration of the caretaker government from the 14th national election onward. During the session, the Chief Justice questioned whether reinstating such a system might undermine parliamentary authority. Lawyers for the petitioners argued that the verdict should clarify the constitutional position of an interim government in relation to upcoming elections. The review appeal follows the August 27 decision granting permission for appeal against the earlier verdict that annulled the caretaker system. The caretaker government provision was first introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996 and declared valid by the High Court in 2004.

Just a day after the planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was postponed, Moscow conducted a large-scale nuclear exercise involving intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. Kremlin officials released a video briefing showing military chief General Valery Gerasimov updating Putin on the drills. This move comes amid heightened global tensions and parallel NATO nuclear deterrence exercises. The meeting’s cancellation followed recent talks between both nations’ foreign ministers, with both sides emphasizing the need for “meaningful preparations” before any summit. Sources told Reuters that Russia rejected Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan, insisting on full control over Ukraine’s Donbas region as a condition for peace. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy missile strikes overnight, killing six civilians in Kyiv, including two children. The European defense sector saw a surge in share prices following the diplomatic uncertainty.

India has firmly denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to halt oil imports from Russia. The controversy follows Trump’s earlier statement crediting himself for de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions, which New Delhi also dismissed. India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no phone conversation took place between Modi and Trump, countering Trump’s assertion. Experts view this as a rare public diplomatic contradiction between the two nations, reflecting a shift toward more open and unpredictable diplomacy. Analysts suggest Trump’s remarks aim to pressure India to reduce its energy ties with Moscow, though India maintains that decisions will prioritize national interests. Despite U.S. pressure, India continues to buy about 35% of its oil from Russia. Observers note this episode highlights New Delhi’s balancing act between U.S. and Russian relations amid evolving global power equations.