Madagascar is facing a political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country amid escalating protests led by the opposition group Zan-Gi. The protests, which began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages, quickly intensified into nationwide demonstrations addressing government corruption, mismanagement, and lack of basic services. According to opposition leaders, some military units rebelled and joined the demonstrators, prompting the President to leave the island nation on a French military plane bound for Paris. The President’s current location remains unknown, and a previously scheduled national address did not take place. French authorities, including President Emmanuel Macron, were reportedly involved in facilitating the move. Madagascar, with a population of nearly 30 million, faces deep economic challenges, with three-quarters of its citizens living below the poverty line and declining per capita GDP.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) announced that it will soon publish a list of interim government advisers allegedly seeking a “safe exit” through political deals. The controversy began when NCP Convener Nahid Islam claimed that several advisers were liaising with political parties to secure personal benefits. His remarks sparked intense debate, with at least five advisers publicly responding—some demanding evidence, others condemning his statement. Senior NCP leader Samantha Sharmin defended Nahid, saying he spoke from firsthand observation as a former adviser himself. Party insiders claim some advisers are acting under the influence of a particular political group, undermining the spirit of the student-led uprising that brought the interim government to power. NCP leaders accuse remnants of the previous regime’s “mafia media establishment” of trying to discredit student leadership while ignoring corruption and extortion across the country. The situation continues to fuel divisions within the interim administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russia that the United States could supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles if Moscow refuses to negotiate an end to the war. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One before his trip to Israel, Trump said the Tomahawk is a powerful offensive weapon and its deployment “would not be good for Russia.” Earlier, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming that the missile issue was raised during their conversation. Russia has condemned the idea as a “serious provocation,” warning it would push U.S.–Russia relations into crisis. President Vladimir Putin said the move would directly involve Washington in the conflict. With a range of 2,500 kilometers, Tomahawk missiles could reach Moscow from inside Ukraine. Zelensky responded that Russia’s fear of such weapons shows growing pressure that could help bring about peace.

Sohail Afridi, nominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 90 votes, securing a clear majority in the 145-member provincial assembly. The opposition boycotted the election, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional,” with leaders including Dr. Ibadullah and JUI-F representatives walking out before voting commenced. Outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur congratulated Afridi and emphasized the importance of peace and justice, stating that his resignation was submitted following the instructions of PTI’s founder. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar warned party members against defying the founder’s nominated candidate. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi raised concerns over Gandapur’s resignation letters due to signature discrepancies, instructing him to verify them on October 15. Despite this, the assembly proceeded with the election, meeting the required majority of 73 votes. The ruling party now holds 93 seats, while the opposition has 52.

Jammu and Kashmir PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for welcoming Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, calling it a display of internal hypocrisy. She argued that while India’s government engages with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties, it simultaneously marginalizes its own Muslim citizens through policies and rhetoric targeting the community, including initiatives labeled as “Love Jihad,” “Land Jihad,” “Vote Jihad,” and “Cow Jihad.” Mufti highlighted that India’s decision to offer scholarships and developmental support to Afghanistan, while curtailing opportunities for Muslim students and closing madrasas at home, underscores a stark contradiction. Stressing the importance of international relations, she emphasized that the foundation of a stable and harmonious nation lies in building trust, respect, and equality for minority communities within its own borders. Afghan FM Muttaqi’s visit is part of a six-day trip to strengthen bilateral ties.

Following the mass uprising of 2024, the long-awaited “July National Charter-2025” signing ceremony is scheduled for October 17 at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. Despite disagreements over implementation procedures, particularly the schedule of a proposed national referendum, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have finalized preparations for signing the charter. BNP will be represented by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who have led discussions with the National Consensus Commission and supervised party organization in street movements over the past 17 years. BNP leaders believe the charter will create a new foundation for constitutional and state reforms and advocate holding the referendum on the same day as national elections to save time, resources, and maintain political stability. Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized the proposal as the most balanced and inclusive approach, enjoying wide support among political stakeholders.

Iran has suspended its cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear monitoring body, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Sunday. He stated that Iran would only return to the agreement if the UN presents proposals safeguarding the country’s rights and national interests. The move comes amid heightened tensions following conflicts with Israel and the United States in June, when the IAEA revealed Iran holds 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which could potentially be further enriched for nuclear weapons. Iran has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the IAEA but refused to allow access to nuclear sites. Previous European mediation efforts with the UK, France, and Germany failed, leading to UN sanctions in late September. Araghchi emphasized there is no basis for further talks with Europe.

Recently leaked White House and U.S. CENTCOM documents have exposed a covert regional security framework linking Israel with six Arab countries — Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Despite publicly condemning the Gaza war, these nations have quietly strengthened military coordination with Israel over the past three years, focusing on intelligence sharing, missile defense, and counter-tunnel operations in Gaza. The Washington Post reports that these meetings, held in locations such as Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and the U.S. Fort Campbell base, were part of a broader U.S.-backed initiative to counter Iran’s influence and resistance groups. Kuwait and Oman were informed as potential future partners. Saudi Arabia reportedly played a key role in sharing sensitive military intelligence. The framework remains confidential and officially denies forming any “new alliance.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has softened his tone toward China, stating that the United States “wants to help China, not harm it.” His remarks came days after threatening to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports in response to Beijing’s new restrictions on rare mineral exports. The earlier threats and hints of canceling a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping triggered panic on Wall Street, causing a sharp market downturn. Trump’s conciliatory comments, shared on Truth Social, suggested an effort to ease tensions, though analysts believe the underlying issues between the two powers remain unresolved. Beijing criticized Washington’s trade policies, accusing the U.S. of double standards and unfair sanctions. Both sides continue to impose tariffs—30% by the U.S. and 10% by China—while the rare-earth mineral dispute remains a major point of contention.

The interim government of Bangladesh is redirecting its transport strategy from a road-dominated system to a rail-based multi-modal network to ease congestion and improve nationwide connectivity. Sheikh Moin Uddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Transport Affairs, announced that major highways like Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar have reached saturation, prompting a shift toward rail and waterways. Speaking at a meeting organized by Reporters for Rail and Road (RRR), he said the government aims to create seamless integration between trains, buses, and waterways at key district hubs. Despite current shortages of locomotives and coaches, targeted operations will begin soon, guided by a national master plan. The final plan is expected within six to eight months, encompassing short-, medium-, and long-term goals. The initiative seeks to decentralize traffic from Dhaka, enhance transport safety, and build a cost-effective, sustainable network across the country.

Pakistan closed all major border points with Afghanistan on Sunday following a night-long gunfight with Afghan forces, heightening tensions between the neighboring countries. Pakistani officials reported that Afghan forces opened fire late Saturday night, claiming it was retaliation for a recent Pakistani airstrike targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders in Kabul. Afghanistan stated that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, while 20 of its troops were reported killed or injured. Pakistan claimed over 200 Taliban fighters were killed in its counterattack. Both countries accused each other of destroying border posts, with videos released showing shelling at Afghan positions. Sporadic clashes continued in Kurram even after most fighting ceased. Kabul said it halted attacks following requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed some fighting remains but emphasized no Afghan territory is under threat. The border closures add further strain to regional security and economic pressures in South Asia.

The Bangladeshi government has introduced a comprehensive cyber governance framework through three new ordinances in 2025—the Personal Data Protection Ordinance, National Data Management Ordinance, and Cybersecurity (Amendment) Ordinance. Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser overseeing the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, stated that these measures aim to enhance digital security, protect citizens’ personal information, and prevent cybercrime. The new framework ensures platform accountability, government supervision of data storage, and clear ownership rights, keeping citizens’ data under their control while restricting commercial exploitation. Tayyab emphasized that the laws are not only administrative but also technically and knowledge-based, building a modern cyber ecosystem in Bangladesh. The ordinances mark a significant step forward in national digital governance, aligning the country with global standards while addressing long-standing gaps in policy and practice. Journalists are encouraged to verify facts before reporting.

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has jurisdiction to try 15 military officers against whom arrest warrants have been issued in three cases, including two enforced disappearance cases, Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam said on Sunday. He emphasized that the law requires presenting arrested individuals in court within 24 hours, after which the court will decide on further proceedings. Arrest warrants have been communicated to all relevant departments, including the army, and the tribunal is the proper venue for trying military officers involved in disappearances and killings. On Saturday, Major General Md. Hakimuzzaman briefed that 15 officers listed in the tribunal’s charge sheet have been taken into custody. A total of 25 officers, including former and current personnel, were accused, with 15 ordered to report to army headquarters by October 9; all except Major General Kabir Ahmed complied.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has vowed that the country will take a firm stand on its defence and security after clashes along the Afghanistan border. He praised the Pakistan Army for successfully targeting terrorist hideouts near the border, honoring 23 soldiers who were martyred during the operation. Shahbaz emphasized that Pakistan has repeatedly informed Afghanistan about terrorist groups “Fitna al-Khawariz” and “Fitna al-Hindustan,” which reportedly receive support from some Afghan territories. He urged the Afghan Taliban government to prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan. The Pakistan Army confirmed that unprovoked attacks occurred on October 11 and 12, and in retaliation, over 200 terrorists were eliminated, while 23 soldiers were killed and 29 injured. The army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation and continuing defensive measures along the border.

Chittagong Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Laldiar Char, and Dhaka’s Pangaon terminal are set to be handed over to foreign operators by December, according to Mohammad Yusuf, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping. The move aims to enhance port capacity, improve efficiency, and attract foreign investment. Yusuf noted that while strategic and geographical concerns exist, similar operations have succeeded in ports across India, Sri Lanka, and other countries. The decision comes despite some opposition from local business communities. Yusuf emphasized that foreign operators will help streamline operations, reduce delays, and lower damages caused by congestion. Experts also highlighted the potential for the country’s shipbuilding industry to expand, leveraging global trade opportunities, and transforming it into a billion-dollar sector, supported by efficient delivery systems and tailored banking solutions.