The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has begun hearing four separate review petitions challenging the 2011 verdict that declared Bangladesh’s caretaker government system unconstitutional. The full seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, started proceedings on Tuesday morning. Petitioners include prominent citizens such as Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, along with leaders from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The caretaker system, introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996, was annulled by the 15th Amendment in 2011. Following the fall of the long-ruling Awami League government in August 2024, calls have resurfaced to restore the system to ensure neutral elections. During the hearing, the Chief Justice noted that the court seeks a sustainable solution for an election-time government, not a temporary fix, and questioned when any reinstated system might take effect.

The United States and Australia have signed a major $8.5 billion agreement to expand cooperation in the mining and processing of rare and critical minerals. The deal aims to strengthen both countries’ mineral supply chains while reducing their reliance on China, which currently dominates around 70% of global mineral extraction and 90% of processing. Under the framework, both nations will invest $1 billion in new projects over the next six months. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the agreement will elevate bilateral ties to new heights. U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed progress on the AUKUS submarine pact. The new minerals deal is part of a broader U.S. effort to secure critical resources needed for defense technology, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, amid escalating trade tensions with China and shifting global economic alliances.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is holding the 14th day of witness hearings in the crimes against humanity case over the brutal killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies, during the July–August movement in Ashulia. Former MP Saiful Islam and 15 others stand accused. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, is expected to hear two more witnesses today. So far, 18 witnesses have testified, including law enforcement officers and relatives of victims. The case details the horrific events of August 5 last year, when police allegedly shot six young men dead, placed their bodies in a van, and set them on fire—burning one victim alive. Eight of the accused, including senior police officers, are in custody, while Saiful Islam and seven others remain fugitives. The tribunal accepted formal charges in August, with evidence spanning hundreds of pages and multiple digital records.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested six leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations for taking part in a sudden procession in the capital. The arrests were confirmed by DMP Deputy Director (Media) Mohammad Talebur Rahman on Tuesday, October 21. According to police sources, the group organized a flash procession violating the ongoing restrictions on political activities imposed on the Awami League and its associate bodies. Law enforcement officials intervened promptly and detained the participants from different areas of the city. Authorities stated that legal actions against the detainees are currently underway. The police have reiterated that any attempt to organize or join unauthorized political gatherings will be dealt with strictly under existing laws.

Japan has made history as Sanae Takaichi became the nation’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, October 21. The long-time conservative politician and close ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assumed office after securing a narrow parliamentary victory. Takaichi won 125 votes in the upper house—just one more than required—and 237 out of 465 in the lower house, surpassing the majority by four votes. Her rise came swiftly after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won the October 4 election but lost its coalition partner, Komeito, over ideological and corruption concerns. To form a functioning government, Takaichi struck an 11-hour deal with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). As Japan’s first female leader and its fifth prime minister in recent years, she faces daunting challenges ahead, including economic recovery and preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia currently controls about 78 percent of Ukraine’s territory and urged both sides to immediately stop fighting. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump stated that “both parties should stop the war now” and focus on negotiating a long-term territorial settlement instead of continued bloodshed. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera on Monday, October 20. Trump emphasized the futility of ongoing violence, saying that continued warfare would make any future peace talks harder to achieve. Referring to the war-torn Donbas region, he suggested keeping current territorial lines “as they are” for now, asserting that Russia already occupies most of Ukraine’s land. This marks a notable shift from Trump’s earlier stance, when he suggested Ukraine could regain all its territories, including Crimea. Trump is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks, though no exact date has been confirmed.

The Ministry of Law has announced that a special committee has been formed to ensure the smooth and efficient prosecution of murder and other serious crime cases filed over killings allegedly ordered by the Awami League government during the July student and public uprising. Excluding 45 cases already under trial in the International Crimes Tribunal, the remaining 792 cases will be sent to fast-track tribunals under Section 10 of the Fast-Track Tribunal Act, 2000. Police have already submitted charge sheets for 19 murder cases in various criminal courts across the country. The committee, led by the Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division, will oversee the prosecution process and ensure timely and effective handling of these cases. The move is aimed at expediting justice and addressing public demand for accountability for the July killings.

For the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission of Bangladesh has announced the deployment of approximately 100,000 military personnel, 150,000 police officers, and 550,000 Ansar members across the country to maintain law and order. The deployment will follow the “in aid to civil power” protocol, ensuring security without interfering in the electoral process. Drones will not be allowed for campaign purposes, though law enforcement may use them if necessary. Unlike previous elections, when forces were deployed for five days, this time the plan covers eight days—three days before the vote, election day, and four days after. The EC also reported that 85% of previously looted weapons have been recovered, with recovery operations ongoing. Authorities remain confident about a peaceful election.

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider accepting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditions to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, the meeting escalated into shouting matches, with Trump warning that refusal to compromise could lead to Ukraine’s destruction. Officials said Trump repeatedly referenced Putin’s statements and pressured Zelensky to surrender the Donbas region to Moscow. Trump also claimed that Ukraine is “losing the war” and emphasized that Putin could destroy the country if he wished. At one point, Trump reportedly pushed aside battlefield maps, expressing frustration and saying he did not understand the “red lines.” The discussions highlighted the intense diplomatic pressure on Ukraine as the conflict continues, reflecting Trump’s controversial approach to the war.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of playing “eerie, ghostly sounds” along border areas, calling it a form of psychological warfare. The Cambodian Human Rights Commission reported that loudspeaker broadcasts of ghostly wails and airplane engine noises are disturbing villagers’ sleep, causing anxiety, and creating physical discomfort. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen said the commission has lodged a complaint with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Thailand has yet to comment. The tensions follow a ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia last July. Thailand, in turn, accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along the border, though Cambodia denied the claims, saying Thai soldiers were injured by old landmines from its civil war. The allegations have reignited cross-border disputes and brought the matter to international attention.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to India, threatening to impose massive tariffs on Indian goods if the country does not stop importing oil from Russia. According to Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him that India would halt Russian oil purchases, but he warned that if India continued, it would face huge tariffs. Washington has been increasing pressure on countries maintaining trade with Russia, arguing that such commerce indirectly funds Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Tariffs on Indian goods have already been raised to 50 percent earlier this year, covering a broad range of products from textiles to pharmaceuticals. Trump has repeatedly stated that these tariffs will remain or increase if India does not comply. So far, the Modi government has not made any public statement on Trump’s remarks or clarified its stance on Russian oil imports.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, calling his recent Facebook post “vague and misleading.” In his post, Nahid Islam criticized Jamaat’s movement for proportional representation (PR), describing it as a “planned political deception” intended to derail genuine constitutional reform efforts following the July uprising. Responding to the criticism, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its media department, Ehsanul Mahbub (Jubair), said Nahid’s comments were “false, baseless, and regrettable.” He asserted that Jamaat had demonstrated its firm stance in both the Consensus Commission discussions and street movements to secure legal recognition for the July National Charter. Mahbub urged Nahid Islam to refrain from making such “misleading and immature” statements that could confuse the public. The exchange highlights growing tensions among political groups over the proposed PR system and broader reform agendas.

The government has announced that tourist visits to Saint Martin’s Island will resume on November 1 after a nine-month suspension aimed at protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. However, Environment and Forest Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan clarified that a final decision on allowing tourists to stay overnight has not yet been made. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday (October 19), she said the issue will be settled after discussions with the Ministry of Tourism. The extended travel ban had severely impacted the island’s tourism-dependent economy, leaving ships idle and workers unemployed. Officials said the restrictions were part of a broader plan to safeguard the island’s biodiversity and transform Saint Martin’s into a sustainable, community-centered tourist destination that balances environmental protection with local livelihoods.

The interim government of Bangladesh is set to introduce a new national pay structure for public servants, aiming to implement it within its current tenure. A National Pay Commission has already been formed and will submit final recommendations by December. The new framework proposes significant changes in salaries and allowances, including the introduction of a “Consolidated Salary” system that eliminates separate financial and non-financial benefits. The reform also targets the removal of various honorariums paid to officials for attending meetings, seminars, and training sessions—benefits costing the state nearly Tk 1,000 crore annually. The proposed minimum salary is Tk 25,000, with the maximum set at Tk 150,000. Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that necessary funds will be allocated in the revised budget, and implementation could begin early next year after the gazette is published.

Following a series of severe fire incidents across the country, the Police Headquarters has instructed all police units to remain on the highest alert. The directive comes amid concerns that other critical installations, known as Key Point Installations (KPIs), could become potential targets. Immediate steps have been taken to strengthen security, including increased patrols, establishment of checkpoints at important locations, and detention of suspicious individuals. The order was issued after the massive fire at Shahjalal International Airport on October 18, prompting intensified monitoring of KPIs nationwide. District-level officers have also been directed to ensure vigilant oversight of critical sites within their jurisdictions. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam emphasized that security at key installations, including government offices, airports, power plants, and other sensitive facilities, is reinforced throughout the year. Currently, 587 KPIs are under surveillance, coordinated by a specialized government committee to maintain robust security measures.