Saudi Arabia is in advanced discussions with the United States to establish a major defense agreement, potentially to be signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House next month. According to the Financial Times, while negotiations are ongoing, the details of the pact have not yet been finalized. Sources indicate the agreement could resemble the U.S.-Qatar defense pact, in which any military attack on Qatar would be treated as an attack on the United States. The discussions occur amid regional tensions involving Iran and Israel. Last month, Saudi Arabia also signed a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan, signaling a shift toward strengthening strategic partnerships in the Middle East. U.S. officials and the Saudi government have not issued formal statements, but analysts suggest the potential pact could alter regional strategic balances and deepen Saudi-U.S. military collaboration.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has criticized certain political parties for misleading the public under the banner of national unity. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Workers’ Force on 17 October, he said signing the July Charter or holding party meetings does not constitute genuine national unity. Nahid emphasized that true unity requires people from all professions, especially workers, to collaborate for the country’s welfare. He highlighted the lack of discussion on labor and health sectors, with reform commissions focusing only on elections. He also condemned the exploitation of workers, the undervaluation of their lives, and protection of past mafias’ businesses. Nahid asserted that the Workers’ Force will stand with those sustaining the nation’s economy and called for real reforms and justice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Executive Committee member and Rangpur-2 candidate ATM Azharul Islam emphasized the need for a referendum before the next national elections to provide legal legitimacy to the upcoming July charter, which reflects the spirit of the historic mass uprising. Speaking at a roadshow in Daluya village, Badarganj, he highlighted that Bangladesh has abundant wealth but lacks honest and capable leadership, citing the siphoning of 27,000 crore Taka abroad over the last 54 years. He promised that if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, corruption will be eradicated, and teachers and other professionals will receive their rightful benefits. Azhar also remembered those who sacrificed their lives for systemic change and expressed gratitude to supporters who prayed for his release from death row, pledging to serve the people faithfully until his last moments.

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and delivered a direct message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani, who serves as both Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and an advisor to Khamenei, arrived in Russia on Thursday, October 16. During the discussions, both sides focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, addressing regional development, and coordinating on international matters. The meeting comes shortly after Russian President Putin revealed that Israeli authorities asked him to convey to Iran that they are not seeking conflict and wish to reduce tensions. Speaking at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe, Putin emphasized that Israel remains committed to peaceful resolution and has requested that the message be shared with Iranian leaders. Analysts suggest this meeting reflects Tehran and Moscow’s continued engagement on strategic regional and international concerns.

Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, member of BNP’s National Standing Committee, emphasized that whether a political party signs the July Charter is entirely its own decision. Speaking on Friday morning at an event organized by the newly formed convening committee of the Diploma Medical Association of Bangladesh (DIMAB), he paid tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave. Dr. Zahid highlighted the sacrifices and participation of countless citizens, warning that hesitation or doubt over the July Charter could jeopardize Bangladesh’s credibility on the global stage. He stressed that since the state has undertaken the responsibility of signing and implementing the charter, no disagreement should arise, and all parties should participate. He also cautioned that refusal to sign could create uncertainty and concern among the public. Today, the July National Charter signing ceremony is scheduled at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, with top leaders of various political parties attending, though the NCP will not participate.

Sujan Chandra, a student of the 2022-2023 batch in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Rajshahi University, has been elected as an executive member of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU). Contesting from the combined student alliance panel supported by the student wing, Sujan received the highest number of votes in the election. The official results were announced on Friday, October 17, at 8:30 AM by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. F. Nazrul Islam at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium. Sujan, who hails from Ghoraghat Upazila in Dinajpur District, stated that his decision to join the panel was inspired by its strong principles and commitment to humanitarian values. “The student wing focuses on student-friendly initiatives and education-driven programs. Being elected from this platform is an honor, and I am deeply grateful to them,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to the Palestinian nationalist group Hamas, stating that if they continue killing civilians in Gaza, he would be “forced to eliminate” them. This warning comes amid reports of renewed clashes between Hamas and Israel-backed local groups, following a two-year ceasefire that began on October 10. The prolonged conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with roughly 70 million tons of debris reported by the United Nations — equivalent to 13 pyramids. Official Gaza media report that many bodies and unexploded bombs remain buried under the rubble. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have continued, claiming additional Palestinian lives. In a social media post on October 16, Trump reiterated that any violation of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas would compel the U.S. to take decisive action. No specific incidents or evidence were cited to support his warning.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that neither Israel nor the United States would ever be able to defeat the Lebanese resistance movement. In a message addressed to participants of the “Al-Sayyid Generation” scouting rally, Qassem praised the young scouts as “the bright soldiers of Imam Mahdi” and lauded their role in strengthening Hezbollah’s legacy of resistance. He emphasized that Lebanon’s identity and freedom were built upon the sacrifices of its martyrs and vowed that the group would continue to stand firm against what he described as occupation and oppression. Qassem also reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to Palestine and Jerusalem, calling them symbols of justice guiding the region’s struggle. He concluded by urging perseverance through sacrifice, promising that Hezbollah’s flag would remain “high and unbroken.”

After a long phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for a face-to-face meeting in Budapest, Hungary. Trump described the call as “tremendously productive,” claiming major progress toward ending the “disgraceful” Russia-Ukraine war. The announcement came a day before Trump’s scheduled White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to seek U.S. approval for Tomahawk missile supplies. This upcoming Budapest summit will mark Trump’s second meeting with Putin since beginning his second term in January. Both leaders agreed to direct discussions, while top officials from the U.S. and Russia are set to hold preliminary talks next week. The Kremlin confirmed a “frank and trustful” phone exchange and said preparations for the summit are underway, signaling a potentially pivotal moment in future diplomatic efforts over the Ukraine conflict.

Interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that last year’s July–August student and public uprising had no single mastermind or foreign involvement. During cross-examination on October 16 in a case over the killing of six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul, Asif said 58 coordinators jointly launched the anti-discrimination student movement after the quota system verdict on June 5, 2024. He asserted that all coordinators held equal status and used Facebook and WhatsApp for communication. Asif also denied any political or foreign influence, saying protesters self-funded the movement. Recalling the Chankharpul shooting on August 5, he testified that police opened fire, killing six protesters, and alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the then Home Minister, senior police officials, and Awami League leaders were responsible. Eight former DMP officials are now facing trial, with four in custody and four reportedly absconding.

In a significant diplomatic meeting held in Kabul, senior Iranian and Taliban officials discussed enhancing security cooperation and ensuring stability along their shared border. The talks, reported by Mehr News on Friday, included Iran’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Alireza Bikdeli, Director-General for South Asia at Iran’s Foreign Ministry Mohammad Reza Bahrami, and Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The meeting focused on countering cross-border drug trafficking, preventing illegal movements, and reinforcing coordination mechanisms between Iran and Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining border stability and continuing dialogue to resolve emerging issues through mutual understanding and respect. The Iranian delegation called for sustained cooperation to promote peace and regional stability, while Haqqani reaffirmed the Taliban’s commitment to fostering strong, respectful relations with neighboring countries, particularly Iran. The meeting marks another step in regional efforts to balance security and diplomacy in post-withdrawal Afghanistan.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) chose not to attend the signing ceremony of the July Charter 2025, held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Earlier, the party announced in a statement that it would refrain from joining the event, arguing that the signing lacked any legal foundation and was merely a symbolic formality. NCP emphasized that without a clear legal basis, the initiative could turn into another one-sided document like the “July Declaration.” However, the party appreciated the Consensus Commission’s decision to extend the timeframe and confirmed that it would participate in future proceedings to express its stance. The ceremony began at 4:30 PM with the national anthem, attended by the Chief Adviser, other advisers, and leaders from several political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nagorik Oikya, and Ganosamhati Andolon.

Across four of Bangladesh’s most prominent universities, student panels supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir registered dominant wins in recently held central and hall student council elections. At Dhaka University — where voting returned after six years — the united Shibir-backed student alliance captured 23 of 28 central posts, including VP and GS; VP Abu Sadiq secured 14,042 votes against 5,708 for his nearest rival. Jahangirnagar University followed with 20 of 25 central seats won by the Shibir-supported slate, including GS and both AGS posts. Chittagong University’s long-awaited poll produced 24 of 26 central seats for the same alliance, with VP and GS winning by large margins. Rajshahi University also saw the alliance win 20 of 23 central posts, with VP Zahid polling 12,687 votes. Voter participation varied by campus but turnout was robust in several places. Observers and rival groups reacted with surprise; academic and student leaders called for reflection on strategy and campus politics after the successive, sweeping outcomes.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced that it will not sign the July Charter without first reviewing the draft implementation order. Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, described the party’s stance as “regrettable” but emphasized optimism that the NCP may eventually sign the charter considering the broader political context. At a press conference, NCP convener Nahid Islam outlined three key demands: public disclosure of the finalized text and referendum question, issuance of the draft implementation order by Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus as a reflection of the people’s sovereign will, and nullification of any ‘Note of Dissent’ if the public approves the charter via referendum. Out of 84 proposals in the July Charter, NCP has dissent only on one, advocating for 15 percent women’s direct election compared to the commission’s 5 percent proposal. The commission expects rapid implementation after the signing.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced it will boycott the July National Charter signing ceremony scheduled for October 17, citing two major reasons—absence of a legal foundation for the charter and lack of access to its full text. NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the party has consistently pushed for a legally recognized framework since the 2024 people’s uprising, but those demands remain unfulfilled. He described the signing event as a “deceptive process,” adding that NCP will not participate until transparency and legal assurance are ensured. Earlier, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain also expressed doubts about the charter’s implementation, suggesting that without clarity, its objectives could remain unachieved. The boycott announcement just a day before the event has raised uncertainty over the ceremony’s credibility and unity among pro-reform groups.