Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlis, and six other like-minded political parties have unveiled a new program to implement their five-point agenda. Representatives of eight parties announced the initiative at a press conference at the Press Club on October 19, marking the fourth phase of their campaign. The program includes protest marches and rallies in the capital on October 20, divisional cities on October 25, and district towns on October 27. The five-point demands include holding a referendum on the July National Charter, introducing proportional representation in both parliamentary chambers, ensuring a level playing field for free and fair elections, visible accountability for government corruption and atrocities, and banning the activities of parties seen as allies of dictatorship. Key leaders from all eight parties attended the press briefing.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has stated that there is no situation that could prevent the national elections scheduled for February, assuring that the polls will take place before Ramadan. Speaking to journalists in Sylhet on 19 October, he clarified that the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) cannot receive the ‘Shapla’ (Water Lily) symbol as it is not listed in the official election symbols. He emphasized that unlike previous controversial elections, this time the process will be transparent, fair, and free from the influence of controversial individuals. The commissioner also noted that with the Awami League currently a suspended party, it cannot participate in the upcoming elections. The remarks were made while he served as chief guest at a police training workshop aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency for smooth electoral management.

The National Citizen Party’s (NCP) southern regional chief organizer, Hasanat Abdullah, has firmly stated that the party will not accept any election symbol other than the Shapla (water lily). Following a meeting with Election Commission (EC) officials on the final day of symbol selection, he accused the EC of acting like an authoritarian body, claiming its decisions are being imposed rather than made independently. Hasanat questioned the transparency and neutrality of the commission, alleging that it lacks the capability and moral strength to conduct a fair, participatory election. He compared the EC’s operations to those of “medieval monarchs” and warned that its arbitrary actions could lead to consequences similar to those faced by former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda. He reiterated that NCP would not compromise on its demand for the Shapla symbol.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the National Citizens Party (NCP) partially cut and misrepresented his remarks about the “July Warriors” made around the July Charter signing ceremony. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Sunday, Salahuddin welcomed NCP Convener Nahid Islam’s call for an apology, calling it a healthy part of democratic practice. He clarified that his comments were meant to honor those who participated in the July uprising and not to undermine them. He emphasized that the mass movement was the outcome of a 16-year-long struggle against fascism, in which BNP and other democratic forces made immense sacrifices. Salahuddin also alleged that chaos surrounding the July Charter event was incited by elements linked to the “Awami fascist forces,” not genuine July Warriors. He insisted that attempts to portray BNP as opposing the uprising would not succeed.

Teachers and employees of MPO-listed private educational institutions across Bangladesh have rejected the Finance Ministry’s circular that approved only a 5% (minimum Tk 2,000) increase in house rent allowance. They termed the decision “insufficient” and declared the continuation of their ongoing movement. The protesters are demanding a 20% house rent allowance, Tk 1,500 medical allowance, and 75% festival allowance. Md. Delowar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the alliance seeking nationalization of MPO-listed institutions, said on Facebook that the 5% hike is a partial victory but not enough to end their protests. On Sunday, teachers continued their sit-in and hunger strike for the eighth consecutive day at the Central Shaheed Minar and announced a “hunger march” towards the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE). They warned that their demonstrations will persist until all three allowance demands are fulfilled.

Election Commissioner (EC) Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated that it is not legally possible to allocate the ‘Shapla’ (water lily) symbol as it does not appear in the Election Commission’s official list of approved electoral symbols. Speaking to journalists on Sunday (October 19) after attending a police training session in Sylhet Police Lines aimed at enhancing election-related duties, he emphasized that the upcoming national election faces no significant challenges. Anwarul confirmed that the election will be held before Ramadan and dismissed any possibility of irregularities similar to previous elections. He asserted that controversial individuals will not be appointed for election duties and reaffirmed the EC’s neutrality, stressing that the commission answers only to the law, not to any political party or individual. The event was also attended by senior police officials, including the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the District Superintendent of Police.

A major fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, disrupting flight operations. Several domestic and international flights bound for Dhaka were diverted to Chattogram, Sylhet, and Kolkata. According to Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, Assistant Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, passengers on these flights will be flown back to Dhaka once the airport resumes operations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism announced that flight operations are expected to restart from 9:00 PM. So far, eight flights have been diverted, including flights from Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Bangkok, Delhi, and Riyadh. Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Advisor to the Ministry, inspected the fire site and assured that the airport will reopen as soon as possible. Firefighters deployed 36 units to control the blaze. Passengers and airport operations are expected to normalize shortly.

A fire broke out at the Cargo Village of Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, October 18, prompting the deployment of 36 fire service units to control the blaze. Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, Assistant Director of Public Relations at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, stated that the fire is largely under control thanks to coordinated efforts. Meanwhile, Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the northern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has raised concerns that these fire incidents are not isolated but part of a larger conspiracy. In a Facebook post, he criticized the interim government for failing to identify and punish the accomplices of authoritarianism, calling it one of its major shortcomings. Alam urged authorities to uncover the real causes behind the incidents, rather than relying on theatrical investigations, suggesting that these acts are aimed at creating instability in the country.

A Kremlin envoy has proposed constructing a 112-kilometer (70-mile) tunnel under the Bering Strait to connect Russia and the United States, potentially with the help of Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. The project, described as a “railway and freight connection,” aims to foster joint resource exploration and economic cooperation between the two nations. During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump called the idea “interesting,” though Zelensky expressed his disapproval. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, also suggested U.S.-Russia-China collaboration on Arctic hydrocarbon projects, highlighting growing opportunities as melting ice opens the region for mining and energy ventures. Dmitriev called the tunnel a “symbol of unity” and shared historic maps of a Cold War-era proposal for a similar project. The idea revives decades-old discussions of linking continents and enhancing global connectivity.

Russia has warned the United States and other foreign powers against establishing military bases in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the country should remain fully independent. Speaking in Samarkand during a CIS security and intelligence meeting, SVR Director Sergei Naryshkin stated that Afghanistan has long been a focal point of international interest, and ensuring no foreign military presence is crucial for both regional stability and the welfare of the Afghan people. Russia advocates for open, equal, and mutually beneficial dialogue and cooperation with Afghanistan, including plans for economically advantageous projects. Naryshkin called on all nations to adopt a similar approach, noting that genuine peace in Afghanistan is only possible through collective efforts. Russia had previously recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and lifted restrictions on Taliban activities, paving the way for full diplomatic and economic engagement with Kabul.

Iran has expressed serious concern over recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan and has offered to help ease tensions. During a phone conversation on October 18, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged both countries to exercise restraint, stop military confrontations, and resolve disputes through dialogue. He warned that continued tension could not only result in humanitarian losses but also threaten the stability of the entire region. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi briefed Araghchi on the situation, emphasizing that the Islamic Emirate prioritizes peaceful solutions over military action. The ministers also discussed the Helmand River water-sharing agreement, stressing adherence to existing treaties, technical cooperation, and joint management to prevent water wastage and ensure Iran receives its rightful share. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, maintain border security, prevent foreign interference, and continue close consultation for lasting peace and stability.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the Abraham Accords, which previously normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, will soon expand to include Saudi Arabia. In an interview on Fox Business Network, Trump said many other countries are likely to follow once Saudi Arabia joins. He revealed that he recently held positive discussions with several nations showing interest in the agreement. The Abraham Accords were first signed in 2020 by the UAE and Bahrain, marking the first Arab-Israeli normalization in 25 years, with Morocco and Sudan joining later. Trump also met with Muslim and European leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza’s future, suggesting his proposals could lead to a broader Middle East peace. He even hinted at the possibility of a future Iran-Israel peace deal, emphasizing that it could be a transformative step for the region.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in southern Bangladesh, criticized political opportunism on social media, saying his party is always the first to donate blood but disappears when power is at stake. On Saturday, October 18, Hasnat shared a photo on his verified Facebook account juxtaposing two moments: one from last year when Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh and was welcomed by anti-discrimination student leaders, and another from Friday’s July Certificate signing ceremony at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. He remarked that these images reflect the only visible reform in the country. The first photo shows leaders including Nahid Islam, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Asif Mahmud, and Umama Fatema greeting Dr. Yunus at the airport. The second shows political party leaders beside the chief adviser during the signing ceremony. NCP, however, did not participate in the event or sign the certificate.

After a 45-day recess, the Supreme Court will resume its regular judicial activities on Sunday, 19 October. Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed has reconstituted 66 benches, with urgent and important cases being prioritized during the recess. Among all pending matters, the case concerning the reinstatement of the caretaker government has drawn the most attention. The six-judge Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed, is scheduled to hear the case on 21 October. This follows the court’s earlier acceptance of a leave-to-appeal request after a review of the verdict that annulled the 13th amendment, which introduced the caretaker government system in 1996. During the recess, benches were formed to handle critical cases, and Justice Farah Mahbub was appointed to hear matters in the Appellate Division recess bench.

On 17 October, a group of protesters under the banner of “July Warriors” clashed with law enforcement on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, demanding the inclusion of their three demands in the upcoming July certificate. The confrontation escalated around 1:30 PM at Gate 12 of the Parliament, as protesters both inside and outside the premises threw bottles, chairs, bricks, and stones at police. Police responded with sound grenades and tear shells in an effort to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles were vandalized, fires were set on the streets, and a few people were reportedly injured during the clashes. Following the incident, four cases were filed at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station against approximately 800–900 unidentified individuals. So far, one person, Rimon Chandra Barman, has been arrested. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the violence.