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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he does not want to harm Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political career, describing him as “a great man” who “loves Trump.” Speaking at the White House on October 15, Trump revealed that Modi assured him India would soon stop importing oil from Russia, a move he believes will help restore peace in Ukraine. Trump acknowledged the long-standing hostility between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the main barrier to peace, adding that India’s decision to halt oil purchases would make resolving the conflict much easier. He also praised Modi as a leader who has stood the test of time and maintained strong leadership over the years.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed his willingness to mediate and ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has applied for parole to pursue these discussions. His sister, Naurin Khan, said he was deeply concerned over the recent border clashes and the displacement of Afghan citizens from Pakistan. Imran Khan has proposed resolving the country’s issues with Afghanistan through dialogue. This comes amid recent military clashes, where both Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged fire, prompting a temporary 48-hour ceasefire. PTI leaders maintain that Khan’s approach has always focused on discussions, not implementation of any settlements with banned groups, countering criticism from rival political parties. The proposal aims to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist attacks in Pakistan while promoting diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries.

Teachers’ organizations have been advocating for a 20% increase in house rent along with other demands, but the government is currently discussing a 5% raise, with a minimum of 2,000 Taka, due to financial constraints, according to Education Advisor Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Education on October 16, he emphasized that he has long supported improvements in teachers’ salaries, training, and professional dignity. Dr. Abrar noted that the government is sensitive and respectful toward teachers’ demands and is actively considering a percentage-based house rent system based on available resources. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize professional development and training programs, stressing that teachers’ respect and capabilities are as important as their salaries.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly accused U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to overthrow his government in Caracas by authorizing a covert CIA operation under the guise of combating drug trafficking. The allegations came after reports that Trump had signaled plans to carry out secret operations in Venezuela and hinted at possible attacks on Venezuelan territory, describing them as “dramatic moves” beyond targeting the nation’s navy in the Caribbean. Maduro condemned the actions as a “CIA-led coup” and warned against labeling it as war or regime change. Experts remain skeptical of Trump’s claims, particularly regarding alleged threats from Venezuelans in the United States. Earlier this month, the U.S. administration justified military measures against drug cartels, describing it as necessary to stop narcotics flow. The move has sparked political outrage in Congress, with members arguing Trump is bypassing congressional approval.

Dilip Kumar Agarwala, a high-profile businessman and one of Sheikh Hasina’s key financiers, has been mysteriously released from Keraniganj Central Jail under strict secrecy, raising questions in legal circles. He was granted bail on September 27 in a Gulshan murder case, and just three days later, on September 30, he was quietly freed without any intelligence reports submitted during the period. Lawyers allege that such a swift release would not have been possible without direct assistance from influential state officials. Dilip had been imprisoned for about a year, spending much of it in a VIP hospital cabin with access to family visits and alleged mobile phone threats to plaintiffs. He faces over a dozen ongoing legal cases, including multiple murder charges, and investigations into massive illegal wealth accumulation and gold smuggling across India, Canada, and the U.S. His current whereabouts remain unknown, with speculation he may have crossed the border.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced it will not sign the July Charter unless it can first review the draft of the implementation order. Party Convener Nahid Islam said the order must be made public before signing and issued by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus as head of government, not president. At a press conference on October 16, Nahid alleged that political parties were excluded from reviewing the July Declaration’s content and that several key narratives were omitted. He insisted that 84 unresolved issues be placed under a national referendum and dismissed any “symbolic or dramatic formalities” without a legal foundation. The NCP also demanded elections be held in February, accusing the Election Commission of losing neutrality over the party’s electoral symbol. Nahid warned that any attempt to enforce decisions through pressure would be unacceptable.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit three Asian countries—Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia—later this month as part of a diplomatic tour. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent, Trump will first travel to Japan before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, which begins on October 31. He is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping there amid ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Prior to that, Trump will participate in the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, where he will witness the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia following their recent border conflict. The visit underscores Washington’s strategic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region during a period of shifting global alliances and economic competition.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has accused Afghanistan of acting as a proxy for India amid escalating clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. In an interview with Geo News, Asif alleged that Kabul has “become Delhi’s puppet” and is receiving financial support from India to destabilize the region. He warned that while Pakistan remains open to constructive dialogue, it would not tolerate ceasefire violations or attacks on its soil. The recent series of violent exchanges between Pakistani forces and Afghan Taliban fighters began over the weekend and flared up again on Wednesday, October 15. According to Afghan officials, at least 58 Pakistani soldiers have been killed, while Islamabad claims to have eliminated more than 200 Taliban fighters. The growing tension has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, despite both sides briefly agreeing to a 48-hour truce earlier in the week.

The prosecution is set to conclude its final arguments today in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused, related to atrocities allegedly committed during the July Movement. The hearing is being held at International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. Over the past sessions, prosecutors presented witness testimonies, phone call analyses involving Hasanul Haq Inu, former Dhaka mayor Tapas, and a former DU vice-chancellor, along with video clips, reports, and other documentary evidence. Once the prosecution wraps up, state-appointed defense lawyers for Sheikh Hasina will present counterarguments. Following rebuttals from both sides, the tribunal will set a date for the verdict. In separate proceedings today, ICT-1 continues hearing testimony in the Chandkharpool six-murder case, while ICT-2 records witness statements in the Ashulia six-body burning case.