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.

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.