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.

Following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Turkey’s Ministry of Defense has stated that the Turkish Armed Forces are ready to participate in peacekeeping operations in Gaza if required. The ministry highlighted the TAF’s extensive experience in international missions, emphasizing fairness, professionalism, and trust earned in previous operations. Ministry spokesperson Zeki AkTürk praised the ceasefire as an opportunity to end two years of devastating conflict and urged rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkey also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable peace and facilitating a “two-state solution.” On Syria, Ankara described recent elections as a positive step for unity and stability but criticized the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for violating agreements with the government. Turkey stressed close monitoring of ongoing talks and reiterated support for a “one state, one army” principle in Syria.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran has no confidence that Israel will honor the terms of the newly agreed Gaza ceasefire. Speaking a day after the truce began, he accused Israel of a history of deception and ceasefire violations, referencing past incidents in Lebanon. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s support for any initiative aimed at stopping the violence, ensuring humanitarian aid, releasing Palestinian prisoners, and protecting Palestinian rights. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran backs all efforts to end what it described as a genocidal war. Araghchi also disclosed that Russia conveyed a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring that Israel has no intention of starting a new war with Iran. The message followed a recent 12-day conflict between the two nations triggered by Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites.

During the live broadcast of prosecution arguments in the crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and another accused, the Facebook page of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor’s Office came under a cyberattack. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam revealed the incident during a press briefing on Sunday, October 12, stating that the attackers temporarily disabled the page but it was later restored. Tajul alleged that the perpetrators and their allies aimed to prevent the world from seeing the transparency and strength of the evidence presented in court. Emphasizing the government’s resolve, Tajul said no criminal will escape justice and no attempt to shield offenders will succeed in Bangladesh. He added that the prosecution’s efforts are not driven by revenge but by a commitment to justice and fairness.

Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus departed for Rome today, Sunday, October 12, to attend the flagship event of the World Food Forum. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Professor Yunus and his delegation left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:30 a.m. During the forum, he is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech as an invited guest at the main session. He will also hold meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and leaders of various international organizations to discuss pressing global issues such as food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. Organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Forum serves as a platform for policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs worldwide to exchange ideas on the future of global food systems. This visit highlights Bangladesh’s proactive diplomatic engagement on the international stage.

Intense fighting erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan attacked several Pakistani military posts, claiming to have captured two of them. Pakistani security forces reported clashes at at least five border points and responded with heavy artillery, tanks, and light weapons. The fighting follows Taliban accusations that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika province, which Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied. Afghan officials said the Taliban engaged in retaliatory attacks against Pakistani forces. Clashes were reported from Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktika, Khost, and Helmand provinces. Pakistani forces also shot down three Afghan drones suspected of carrying explosives. No casualties have been reported yet. Tensions between the two countries remain high, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of sheltering the Pakistan-based militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

World leaders are set to meet on Monday (October 13) in Egypt’s resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh for a landmark peace summit aimed at ending the two-year Gaza conflict and restoring stability in the Middle East. The conference, co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, will host leaders from over 20 nations, including the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit seeks to consolidate efforts for a permanent ceasefire, regional peace, and a new era of cooperation. While Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas representatives are yet to confirm attendance, the meeting comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has prompted displaced Gazans to return home after massive destruction. The initiative follows Trump’s recent 20-point peace plan unveiled in Washington.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged six major commitments for women and girls, promising to make the state a true partner in fulfilling their dreams if given the chance to govern. In a message marking International Day of the Girl Child, he vowed to introduce “Family Cards” under women’s names to ensure direct financial aid, expand SME loans and training for female entrepreneurs, and strengthen girls’ access to academic and technical education. He also emphasized greater participation of women in policymaking, safeguarding their dignity and independence, and prioritizing women’s welfare in health, employment, and rural development. Rahman recalled the legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia in empowering women through education, employment, and governance, noting that true national progress requires the empowerment of every girl to dream, learn, and lead with freedom and safety.

In a move highlighting political pragmatism over principle, India’s Hindu nationalist government has faced severe criticism after Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi. Once condemning the Taliban for its brutal record on women’s rights, India now appears to have softened its stance to counter Pakistan’s influence in the region. The controversy erupted when female journalists were denied entry to a press conference hosted by the Afghan Embassy, despite following dress codes. India’s Foreign Ministry quickly distanced itself, claiming no involvement in the event’s organization. Opposition leaders, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hypocrisy and failing to defend women’s dignity in a democratic country. The incident comes amid Taliban-imposed restrictions on Afghan women’s education and employment, deepening outrage over India’s silence. Analysts view this episode as a troubling reflection of India’s shifting foreign policy priorities.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has raised concerns over the neutrality of some advisers in the interim government, saying the public is questioning whether all advisers are truly impartial. Speaking at a memorial event in Gazipur marking the ninth death anniversary of BNP leader Brigadier General Hannan Shah, Fakhrul claimed that certain advisers show favoritism toward specific parties, which undermines public confidence. He expressed support for the reform initiatives undertaken by the government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus but accused a vested group of portraying BNP as anti-reform. Fakhrul emphasized that BNP has always championed democratic reforms and women’s empowerment. Criticizing India’s role in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, he called for an equal and just bilateral relationship. He also urged party activists to unite and ensure victory for Hannan Shah’s son, Shah Riazul Hannan, in the upcoming parliamentary election expected in February.

The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Indian citizens and nine companies involved in trading Iranian oil, petroleum products, and petrochemicals. Announced on Thursday, this move is part of Washington’s intensified economic pressure campaign on Iran. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also blacklisted an additional 60 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to transporting Iranian oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to international buyers, including entities from China and the UAE. Among the Indian entities sanctioned are Mumbai-based CJ Shah & Co., Chemovic, Modi Chem, Parichem Resources, Indisil Marketing, Haresh Petrochem, Shiv Texchem, and Delhi-based BK Sales Corporation. The State Department claimed these companies imported Iranian petrochemicals worth millions over recent years. Five Indian citizens, including directors of these firms, were also named, alongside three others connected to Iranian LPG transport.

The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, has confirmed that the national election will be held in the first week of February under the caretaker government. Speaking at a courtesy meeting with journalists at Mymensingh Press Club on October 10, he emphasized that any doubts regarding the election have been completely resolved and the country is prepared for voting. He noted that political parties have reached consensus on the July certificate and will finalize matters soon. A declaration regarding the signing of the certificate is expected on October 15, after which parties will intensify election preparations. Several parties have already announced nominations. Alam stressed that previous elections were flawed, but this upcoming vote will be free, fair, and the best in Bangladesh’s history.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday morning, arriving at Ben Gurion Airport shortly after 9 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, he will be welcomed with a formal ceremony and will travel directly to the Knesset in Jerusalem to deliver a speech ahead of the Simhat Torah festival, which begins Monday evening. The trip comes in the wake of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas. Channel 12 reported that the visit will be brief, with Trump returning directly to the airport and departing the country after his address. Originally planned to arrive on Sunday, the visit was shortened due to limited preparation time. According to reports, Trump will not be able to visit Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square,” despite expectations from families of hostages held by Hamas for his presence there.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will begin working with Iran to implement a peace agreement. During a recent cabinet meeting, Trump also commented on the future of Gaza, saying that the region will gradually be rebuilt by wealthier neighboring countries. He described the reconstruction efforts as “remarkable” and praised the initiative, noting he had not seen such enthusiasm before. Trump added that the release of remaining prisoners is expected “on Monday or Tuesday” and emphasized that at some point, ongoing conflicts must end. While Trump plans visits to Egypt and occupied Palestine, he will not travel to Gaza. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on over 50 individuals, organizations, and ships involved in Iran’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports, including three Indian citizens, as part of efforts to disrupt key components of Iran’s energy export system.

Taiwan has announced plans to develop a multi-layered air defense system named the “T-Dome,” inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, as tensions rise with China. President Tsai Ing-wen stated that defense spending will increase to protect the island and urged China to abandon the use of force to seize Taiwan. The government aims to propose a special military budget by year-end, reflecting its commitment to enhancing national defense capabilities. The T-Dome will feature advanced detection and interception technologies to safeguard citizens and property. While details remain scarce, Taiwan continues to modernize its military amid facing a vastly larger Chinese military equipped with stealth fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and a significant missile arsenal.