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.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him India will no longer purchase oil from Russia. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday (October 15), Trump said he had been unhappy with India’s continued oil trade with Moscow but welcomed Modi’s commitment to halt the imports. He described the decision as a “big step” and added that Washington would now pressure China to take similar action. When asked for confirmation, the Indian Embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response. Analysts view this move as a potential turning point in global energy diplomacy amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, as the U.S. seeks to curtail Russia’s oil revenue. India, one of Russia’s largest oil buyers, would mark a significant shift in Moscow’s export landscape if the pledge is implemented soon.

In a historic landslide, the Shibir-backed “Sampreeti Students’ Alliance” has won 24 of the 26 positions in the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election, including the top posts of Vice President (VP) and General Secretary (GS). Ibrahim Hossain Roni and Saeed Bin Habib were elected as VP and GS, respectively. The alliance also secured all five executive member positions. Only two posts went to other groups—Ayubur Rahman Taufiq from the BNP-backed panel won as Assistant General Secretary (AGS), and Tamanna Mahbub Preeti won as Assistant Sports Secretary. The Shibir-supported winners have taken major roles across cultural, welfare, IT, environment, research, and rights portfolios. This result marks a major political shift in the university’s student politics, signaling renewed dominance of Shibir-backed student groups in CU campus affairs.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select a new election symbol by October 19, after deciding that the party cannot use the Shapla (water lily) emblem. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the decision while speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters on Tuesday, October 14. He stated that if the NCP fails to propose an alternative symbol by the deadline, the Election Commission will assign one on its own. According to the secretary, the commission sees no necessity to include the Shapla symbol in the registration process. He added that if the NCP refuses to accept registration without the Shapla, it will be the party’s own choice. The directive signals the EC’s firm stance on regulating political symbols to maintain clarity and avoid duplication in upcoming elections.

Interim Government Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has announced a major digital reform that will allow bail orders to be sent directly from courts to prisons with a single click. Speaking at an event at the Supreme Court Auditorium, Dr. Nazrul said that currently, an accused person must go through 12 lengthy and often corrupt steps before being released after securing bail. From Wednesday, the new online bail system will automatically deliver bail documents to the relevant prison, eliminating delays, costs, and harassment. He emphasized that this initiative was developed entirely with government funds, without any external assistance. Dr. Nazrul also revealed that during the interim government’s tenure, several key laws—including those on the judicial secretariat, enforced disappearances, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and human rights—will be finalized soon. Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman chaired the event, joined by Additional Attorney General Arshadur Rauf and Barrister Anik R. Haque.

Dhaka’s former Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, has been temporarily suspended over serious allegations of corruption and misconduct during the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. According to a law ministry order issued on September 29, the decision was made following consultation with the Supreme Court. Investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) found evidence of bribery, manipulation of bail, and misuse of judicial power. Chowdhury allegedly turned his court into a hub of political favoritism, punishing opposition leaders while profiting from illegal case settlements and auction scams. He is also accused of misappropriating seized vehicles and securing multiple land plots through abuse of authority. Sources claim his misconduct severely damaged the judiciary’s reputation. Chowdhury denies wrongdoing, saying the ACC probe will clear him. The suspension has been widely welcomed within legal circles.

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.