Syria has officially released the results of its first parliamentary election since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. The election commission announced on Monday that the outcomes for two-thirds of parliamentary seats are final and not subject to appeal. President Ahmad al-Shara will appoint members for the remaining one-third of seats, a process separate from the electoral body. On Sunday, Syrian voters cast ballots to elect representatives for 210 parliamentary seats, with 1,578 candidates competing, including 14 percent women. Authorities described the election as a key step in Syria’s political transition, marking the country’s first post-Assad electoral process. Officials emphasized the transparency and finality of the results, while noting that the appointment of remaining members by the president ensures a complete parliamentary body.

Iran has announced it will end its cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claiming the deal is no longer relevant after Western nations reinstated UN sanctions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Britain, France, and Germany — signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal — have “diminished their role” by reimposing sanctions. Tehran also accused the IAEA of double standards for failing to condemn Israeli attacks on its nuclear sites. While some lawmakers urged withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to it. Araghchi hinted that a final decision on future cooperation with the IAEA would be announced soon but emphasized that “diplomacy still has room.” Talks with the U.S. to revive the broader nuclear deal collapsed after Israel’s June attacks on Iranian facilities.

In his first major media interview in almost twenty years, BNP acting chairman Tareq Rahman shared insights on his party’s strategy for the upcoming elections, the governance of the Awami League, and Bangladesh’s election-centric politics. The interview drew attention from political analyst Mirza Galib, who praised Rahman’s choice of words and the absence of a self-centered narrative, highlighting his repeated references to “the people” and “the country.” Galib also commended Rahman’s candid discussion of the Awami League’s oppressive past and his clear critique of its governance. However, he noted Rahman’s evasive stance on the question of banning the Awami League and his unclear position on internal BNP reforms. Galib suggested that without organizational strengthening, BNP may struggle to ensure good governance even if it comes to power.

During a large-scale operation conducted by the Malaysian Immigration Department, a total of 97 illegal immigrants were arrested in the busy areas of Klang and Kajang, Selangor, including 24 Bangladeshis. The operation, carried out by a special task force led by JIM Putrajaya on Sunday evening, involved around 90 officers and targeted areas long reported to harbor foreigners living under temporary work visas (PLKS) illegally. Officers checked the documents of 884 individuals, detaining 97 foreigners, including employers or local recruiters. The arrested individuals ranged in age from 18 to 62 and included citizens from Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Pakistan, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Investigations are ongoing under Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63. The detainees were taken to Beranang Immigration Depot in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Depot for further legal proceedings.

Abul Kasem Rinku, a field assistant at Talatoli Upazila Fisheries Office and student leader, along with his father Jalil Fakir, Labour Affairs Secretary of the Upazila Awami League, has been accused of fishing hilsa illegally in the sea despite a government ban. The incident occurred late Sunday night at Fakirhat Fisheries Landing Center, Sonakata Union, Barguna. Local fishermen intercepted a large catch while it was being moved to Rinku’s fish market. Allegations suggest that Upazila Fisheries Officer Victor Bain may have colluded, allowing the father-son duo to violate regulations. Fishermen reported threats when they protested the illegal activity. Rinku denied involvement, claiming political harassment, while authorities promised a thorough investigation and legal action. The incident has drawn attention to misuse of political influence in fisheries and highlighted challenges in enforcing government fishing bans in coastal areas, sparking local unrest and media coverage.

A Dhaka court has ordered the arrest of Jahangir Kabir, also known as Lipton, a member of the armed wing of the extremist group Gana Mukti Fouj, in connection with a high-profile kidnapping case. Lipton allegedly abducted businessman Alhaj Md. Belal Hossain in October 2016 from Kallyanpur bus stand, blindfolded and restrained him, and held him in a secret location for 31 days while demanding a ransom of 100 million taka for his release. Military forces had previously arrested him in Kushtia in June, and several cases were filed against him. During the court hearing on October 6, Lipton was remanded to jail following a request from CID Inspector Krishnadas Bairagi. The case also mentions threats against Belal Hossain’s family. Belal Hossain has called for justice, urging authorities to bring the accused under legal action.

Police have arrested three individuals, including Asaduzzaman Mintu Mallik, president of the Amtali Upazila Sramik League and chairman of Holdia Union Parishad, in connection with a case filed over an attack on a BNP rally in Barguna’s Amtali upazila. The other two arrestees are Arpangasia Union Awami League president Humayun Kabir and Amtali Municipality Jubo League joint general secretary Amit Rasul Apu. They were detained during a police operation on Sunday night and produced before the Amtali Senior Judicial Magistrate Court on Monday afternoon, where Judge Md. Ifti Hasan Imran ordered them to be sent to jail. The case, filed under the Explosives and Special Powers Acts, names 65 accused and 150 unidentified persons. The attack reportedly took place on October 22 last year, when BNP activists organized a procession that came under assault by Awami League members.

Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan’s appearance at the West Bengal government–organized Durga Puja Carnival has sparked controversy and political backlash. BJP leaders in Durgapur, Bardhaman district, staged a protest questioning why a Bangladeshi artist was invited to perform at a state-sponsored religious event. Though Jaya had already left the venue after performing a Rabindra Sangeet, BJP members accused the organizers of “insulting Goddess Durga” by including her in the program. The controversy follows earlier criticisms by Trinamool Congress councillor Jui Biswas, who had opposed Bangladeshi actors working in Indian films. The incident adds a new dimension to the growing cultural and political debate over cross-border artistic collaboration between India and Bangladesh, particularly during religious and state events.

A new report from Brown University’s Cost of War Project reveals that the United States has spent nearly $34 billion on military operations and aid in the Middle East over the past two years. Of this, Israel alone has received more than $21 billion in support—fueling its continued offensives in Gaza, Yemen, and tensions with Iran. Analysts argue that without U.S. funding, weapons, and political backing, Israel could not sustain prolonged conflicts across multiple fronts. The report, titled “U.S. Military Aid and Arms Transfers to Israel, October 2023–September 2025,” underscores Washington’s central role in the region’s instability. Critics in the U.S. note growing frustration among taxpayers, who bear the cost of these wars. Meanwhile, public opinion among American Jews is shifting, with many acknowledging Israel’s actions in Gaza as war crimes. Experts warn this support may reshape U.S. politics ahead of the 2028 elections.

The Bangladesh government has decided to officially recognize October 7, the death anniversary of BUET student Abrar Fahad, as a national day of observance. The move comes six years after Abrar was brutally killed by members of the banned Chhatra League for posting an anti-India status on Facebook. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will also observe February 25 as BDR Massacre Day. On the eve of Abrar’s sixth death anniversary, a documentary titled “You Failed to Kill Abrar Fahad” will be screened simultaneously across all Shilpakala Academies, with Abrar’s father attending the Dhaka screening. The government is also preparing a national calendar highlighting significant political and cultural dates, where both days will be commemorated annually. Abrar’s murder in 2019 sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over student politics, freedom of expression, and justice in Bangladesh’s higher education institutions.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, stated that several significant events will unfold within the next week, including the submission of investigation reports on multiple enforced disappearance cases from the Awami League’s tenure. Speaking to journalists on Monday, he said these cases are nearing completion, and formal charges will follow soon after. Addressing concerns about delays, Tajul Islam emphasized that justice is progressing as expected and that trials against those accused of crimes against humanity are moving toward conclusion. Regarding the case involving Obaidul Quader, he mentioned that proceedings are ongoing and results will be visible in due course. He asserted that no one will escape justice and that all accused will eventually face trial. The prosecutor reaffirmed that the tribunal is on the right path to fulfill the nation’s expectation for justice.

Non-performing loans in Bangladesh’s banking sector have surged to Tk 6.67 trillion, or 33 percent of total loans, according to recent data from Bangladesh Bank. Officials attribute the rise to three main factors: hidden loans issued during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure are now being revealed, the timeline to declare a loan non-performing was shortened from six months to three months to meet IMF conditions, and special exemptions for agricultural and SME loans were removed. For the first time, the central bank disclosed 3,483 deliberate defaulters. Experts warn urgent legal action is necessary to prevent further banking sector collapse. Former officials emphasize that many of these funds have been transferred abroad and demand the creation of special tribunals or dedicated High Court benches to expedite justice.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has held a public hearing on a proposal to nearly double gas prices for fertilizer factories—from Tk 16 to Tk 40 per unit. Petrobangla and six gas distribution companies argued that the price hike would reduce financial losses and help sustain gas supply, while a BERC technical committee suggested Tk 30 as a more balanced rate. Critics at the hearing warned that higher gas costs would raise fertilizer production expenses, potentially driving up prices for farmers and consumers. The Agriculture Ministry stated that the government currently subsidizes Tk 13,000 per ton of fertilizer and intends to maintain stable prices for farmers. However, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) criticized previous unfulfilled promises of uninterrupted gas supply, noting a drop of 300,000 tons in annual fertilizer production. Stakeholders urged caution, emphasizing that gas supply must be ensured before any price increase.

Mass protests led mainly by Madagascar’s Gen Z youth have continued for a third straight week, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. What began as demonstrations over chronic shortages of water and electricity has evolved into a broader movement against corruption, inequality, and government failure. Police in the capital Antananarivo used tear gas to disperse protesters, with clashes also reported in the cities of Toliara and Diego Suarez. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and over a hundred injured, though the government disputes these figures. President Rajoelina, who dissolved his cabinet last week, has refused to resign, saying he is open to dialogue but will not step down. Civil society groups have urged authorities to ensure the safety of demonstrators and release detained activists as public anger grows across the country.

Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Aminul Islam Bulbul has been elected unopposed as the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The election took place on Monday (October 6) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. Bulbul, who earlier won as a director from the district and divisional category, became president without any rival candidate. A total of 23 directors were elected from three categories — district and divisional representatives, Dhaka club representatives, and former cricketers or institutional nominees. Additionally, the National Sports Council nominated two directors: M. Isfak Ahsan and Yasir Mohammad Faisal Ashiq. Among the notable winners were Khaled Masud Pilot from the ex-cricketers’ category and several prominent cricket figures from different divisions. Bulbul’s unopposed victory marks a new chapter for the BCB under the leadership of a former national captain.