Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the future of the newly signed “fragile ceasefire” between Pakistan and Afghanistan depends entirely on whether the Taliban government can prevent cross-border infiltration and attacks by armed groups, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came after a week of deadly clashes along the border. Asif emphasized that any threat from Afghan soil would be treated as a violation of the agreement. He accused the Afghan Taliban of collaborating with the TTP, an allegation the Taliban has denied. Meanwhile, Kabul accused Islamabad of spreading misinformation and harboring ISIL-linked militants. Both countries have agreed in writing to avoid any hostile actions against each other’s security forces, civilians, or infrastructure as they seek to maintain fragile peace amid rising regional tensions.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has clarified that the recent social media claims stating that 10 agreements between India and Bangladesh have been canceled are inaccurate. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, he confirmed that only one agreement—the tugboat supply deal with Indian defense company GRSE—has been officially canceled. The majority of the agreements listed on social media do not exist. The adviser also noted that various agreements with India are still under review. The claims originated from Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya, who posted a list of canceled and under-consideration agreements, including railway projects, economic zone collaborations, water management initiatives, and pipeline expansions. The government emphasizes careful verification before making any official announcements regarding bilateral agreements.

The Ministry of Finance has approved the Education Ministry’s plan to increase house rent allowance for teachers and staff listed under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) by 15 percent in two phases. From November 1, 2025, employees will receive 7.5 percent of their basic salary (minimum BDT 2,000), followed by an additional 7.5 percent from July 1, 2026. The approval comes with six conditions, including adjusting benefits in future pay scales, strict adherence to MPO rules for private schools, colleges, madrasas, and vocational institutions, ensuring no arrears, compliance with financial regulations, accountability for any future irregularities, and issuance of a Government Order to be recorded in the Finance Division. This marks a significant move to enhance the welfare of private educational staff while aligning with budget limitations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized that the interim government must function as a true caretaker administration to ensure a free, fair, and meaningful national election. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna on Tuesday evening, he said that it is vital to convince the public that the administration will remain neutral before the election. Fakhrul demanded the removal of those in the bureaucracy who are identified as loyalists of the previous authoritarian regime, stressing that impartiality in government institutions is essential for credible polls. He urged the chief adviser to exclude politically affiliated individuals from government positions and ensure neutrality in police recruitment and promotions. The BNP delegation included senior leaders Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.

The final signature on the file concerning amendments to the 44th BCS repeat cadre rules has reportedly been delayed in the office of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, sparking criticism and public concern. Retired Additional Secretary Md. Mahbub Kabir Milon first highlighted the issue on social media. The post was later shared by Sargis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party in northern Bangladesh, who urged the Chief Adviser to release the file immediately. Alam expressed frustration that while the file has remained pending for a long time, the Chief Adviser has traveled abroad twice, yet the file has not moved. The amendments aim to allow candidates next in merit to be recommended instead of those already appointed in repeat cadre positions. The delay has caused uncertainty and anxiety among candidates whose future careers depend on timely decisions.

The Officers and Staff Welfare Association of the Finance Division has proposed a new salary structure called “Total Salary” or “Remuneration” to the National Pay Commission. Under this system, all existing financial and non-financial allowances, including housing, tiffin, and transport, would be merged into a single consolidated salary. The association suggested a minimum salary of BDT 25,000 and a maximum of BDT 150,000 under a 1:6 ratio, replacing the current 1:10 scale. The proposal also includes periodic grade promotions every four years, new allowances for secretariat staff, and reinstatement of select benefits such as health insurance and New Year allowance. Officials highlighted the insufficiency of current allowances for daily needs, emphasizing fair compensation and a unified pay system. The plan aligns with practices in many developed and developing countries.

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.