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.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in Mashhad that Tehran will not return to talks with the United States so long as Washington maintains what he called "unreasonable" and "additional" demands. Araghchi blamed the collapse of previous negotiations on American demands that Iran considers unrealistic, saying such conditions preclude meaningful progress. He reaffirmed Tehran's refusal to accept talks framed around predetermined outcomes, echoing earlier comments by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that negotiations with the U.S. are futile when the other side seeks to dictate Iran's nuclear activities and even its missile capabilities. Araghchi warned that accepting such pressure would amount to surrendering Iran's right to self-defense. The remarks, reported by Mehr News on October 22, underscore Tehran’s insistence on negotiating without external preconditions and signal continued resistance to U.S. demands perceived as infringing on national sovereignty. Tehran indicated it remains open to dialogue only if demands become mutually acceptable.

The government has called upon the National Citizen Party (NCP) to sign the July Charter, a political framework aimed at ensuring stability and cooperation ahead of the upcoming elections. NCP Convener Nahid Islam revealed the government’s proposal after a meeting with the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, at his Jamuna residence. The NCP delegation included Nahid Islam, Chief Organizer for the northern region Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, and Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah. The government’s invitation marks a significant move to bring smaller political parties on board with the July Charter initiative. A day earlier, a BNP delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also met Professor Yunus, urging the interim administration to act impartially and remove any partisan members from the interim setup to ensure fair and credible elections.

North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile test in several months on Wednesday, launching multiple short-range missiles from areas near Pyongyang toward the northeast. South Korea’s military reported that the missiles traveled approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) and landed on land rather than in the sea. The launch comes just a week before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, which will host leaders from the United States, China, and South Korea. The test violates United Nations sanctions and has prompted immediate intelligence sharing between South Korea, the United States, and Japan. In response, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol convened an emergency security meeting with military and intelligence officials. Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the launch posed no immediate threat to Japan, though Tokyo is monitoring developments closely. Analysts view the missile test as a potential political signal ahead of the APEC summit.

Mizanur Rahman Bulu, the Kotalipara Upazila correspondent for Kaler Kantho and a digital reporter for NTV, was arrested on Monday night in Gopalganj on suspicion of involvement in violent incidents during a National Citizens’ Party (NCP) rally. Police apprehended him around 9:00 PM near Kotalipara police station. On Tuesday, he was presented before the Gopalganj Chief Judicial Magistrate, who ordered him to be sent to jail.
According to the investigating officer, Saddam Hossain Khan (Dipto), leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated groups staged a protest in the Wapdarhat area of Kotalipara Upazila on July 16, felling trees on roads and disrupting public movement, causing panic among residents. Bulu’s alleged involvement in the unrest prompted the arrest. The case lists 155 named individuals and 1,500 unidentified suspects, filed under the Special Powers Act at Kotalipara police station.

The International Crimes Tribunal has directed 15 military officers currently in custody to be sent to prison for their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and killings at the TFIC-JIC cell during the Awami League government. The officers appeared before the tribunal on Wednesday, 22 October, ahead of the formal hearing of charges, which will be conducted by Tribunal-1 under Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mazumder. All 15 officers had earlier applied for bail. The accused include senior military officials such as Brigadier General Md. Jahangir Alam, Major General Mostafa Sarwar, and others. A total of 30 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, are named in the two cases, with 17 accused in one case and 13 in the other. Security forces, including the army, police, BGB, and RAB, were deployed at multiple points around the tribunal in Dhaka to maintain order during the proceedings.

The Pay Commission of Bangladesh has announced that its work on designing a fair and effective new salary structure for officers and employees of government and autonomous institutions is progressing as planned. According to a government press release issued on Tuesday (October 21), the Commission is currently analyzing and verifying opinions and recommendations collected through four online questionnaires. These inputs came from general citizens, government officials, autonomous bodies, and various associations during October 1–15. The Commission has also held meetings with several associations and organizations that have already submitted formal proposals. It expressed optimism about completing and submitting the final report to the government within the stipulated timeframe. The initiative aims to ensure an equitable pay system reflecting the cost of living and economic realities, bringing transparency and fairness to public sector remuneration.

Saudi Arabia is seeking to formalize a defence treaty with the United States, modelled after the agreement signed between Washington and Qatar that treats any armed attack on Qatar as an armed attack on the U.S.

According to reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will travel to Washington next month and meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, with the objective of securing stronger military and intelligence cooperation.

With U.S. bases in the Gulf and growing regional instability — including in the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea region — Riyadh sees the pact as a strategic hedge and stepping-stone for deeper defence ties with Washington.

Pending details remain “in flux” as discussions continue, but the significance of such a deal could reshape Gulf security architecture and renew the long-standing U.S.–Saudi strategic partnership.