Pakistan has welcomed Hamas’s positive reaction to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 20-point Gaza peace plan, describing it as a “positive step.” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized on X that an immediate ceasefire is essential to end Palestinian suffering, secure the release of hostages, and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid. He also demanded that Israel immediately stop its ongoing attacks. Dar clarified earlier that Trump’s plan differs from draft proposals submitted by Arab and Muslim nations during last month’s UN General Assembly. According to U.S. media outlet Axios, Israel and the United States made significant adjustments to the plan at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The revised proposal connects the withdrawal of Israeli forces to Hamas’s disarmament and permits Israel to remain in a buffer zone until all “terrorist threats” are eliminated. Pakistan’s response reflects its broader call for peace, humanitarian relief, and the protection of Palestinian rights amid the Gaza conflict.

The National Consensus Commission held a meeting on October 4 at its office in the National Parliament complex to review the final stage of preparations for the “July National Charter 2025.” According to an official press release, the commission members discussed comprehensive arrangements and finalized the key discussion points for tomorrow’s (October 5) rescheduled meeting with political parties. The meeting revisited the expert opinions and recommendations received earlier regarding the possible implementation methods of the July Charter. It also reassessed the views collected from various political parties to ensure a broad-based consensus. Among those present were Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz, members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, and Dr. Md. Ayub Mia. Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser involved in the consensus-building process, also attended the meeting. The discussion aimed to ensure a well-prepared and inclusive final phase before the Charter’s national presentation.

Hamas has accepted U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point Gaza peace plan, agreeing to release all Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased. The move has been welcomed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose spokesman Stephen Dujarric said the announcement was encouraging. Guterres urged all sides to seize this chance to end hostilities, reiterating his call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unconditional release of all detainees, and unrestricted humanitarian aid. He also praised Qatar and Egypt for their mediation. Following Hamas’s response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Israel’s readiness to begin the first phase of Trump’s plan, which focuses on the hostages’ immediate release. The Israeli statement emphasized cooperation with the U.S. to ensure that any end to the war aligns with Israel’s policies while remaining consistent with Trump’s vision. The development marks a potential breakthrough in efforts to halt the Gaza conflict, though challenges to lasting peace remain.

The long-anticipated direct train service between Pabna and Dhaka is nearing reality, according to Railways Secretary Fahimul Islam during a visit to Pabna on October 3. He confirmed that the government is accelerating initiatives at the highest level to implement the project, which has long been a demand of residents. Authorities are exploring options for both short-term solutions and long-term infrastructure development, including the possibility of constructing a new rail bridge from Dhalarchar through Rajbari to connect with the Padma Rail Bridge. Alongside this, the relocation of the Kazirhat ferry terminal to Khaschar is being considered to reduce travel time and fuel costs. Senior officials from the Roads and Highways Division and the Ministry of Railways jointly emphasized that feasibility studies are underway to ensure the most efficient and sustainable route. The move aims to enhance regional connectivity, reduce passenger hardship, and contribute to economic growth across the region.

Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani stated that 40 percent of the country’s population belongs to Generation Z, and it was this group that led the July 36 uprising. Speaking at a meeting with government officials in Rajshahi, he emphasized that society does not collapse because of dishonest people but because of the silence of honest ones. Reflecting on the failures during recent movements, he noted that there was no lack of intelligence or talent, only of sincerity. Gani stressed that public servants must align their duties with the expectations of the new generation, ensuring fairness and justice not just within the judiciary but across all administrative levels. Quoting the Qur’an, he reminded officials that their service is a divine and civic responsibility, not merely a means to earn money.

As Bangladesh prepares for its 13th national election, major Islamic parties are rethinking political alliances, expressing sharp reservations about joining hands with Jamaat-e-Islami. Leaders from Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh have voiced concerns that Jamaat’s ideology, rooted in Maududism, contradicts traditional Islamic teachings and could mislead their followers. Hefazat chief Mawlana Muhibullah Babunagari called Maududi’s ideas a “fitna,” warning that aligning with Jamaat could endanger Islamic faith. Other leaders argued that while cooperation with BNP poses no religious risk, Jamaat’s theological differences threaten Islamic unity. Despite recent joint movements and shared political demands, many Islamic parties remain unwilling to form a formal alliance with Jamaat. Analysts believe this division may reshape electoral equations, as ideological rifts overshadow pragmatic politics. Past efforts to unite Islamist groups have repeatedly failed due to doctrinal and leadership disputes, and the same challenges persist ahead of the upcoming polls.

Nepal is facing one of its worst crises in decades, driven by political instability, corruption, and deep-rooted party favoritism, according to political analyst Rajendra Bajgain. Speaking to The Himalayan Times, Bajgain warned that merely replacing the prime minister will not solve Nepal’s growing turmoil. He argued that the federal system, intended to promote accountability, has instead turned into a “factory of corruption,” plagued by bribery and political interference from local governments to national ministries. Bajgain cited major infrastructure failures, such as the Pokhara and Lumbini international airports, which became costly burdens due to poor planning and policy-level corruption. He cautioned that direct election of the prime minister could lead to dictatorship if structural reforms are ignored. To revive Nepal, Bajgain urged reducing local government units by 60%, introducing public-private partnerships for state enterprises, ensuring independent financial oversight, prosecuting corrupt officials, and adopting clear national development strategies like those of Singapore and Malaysia.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered Israel to immediately stop airstrikes in Gaza after Hamas partially agreed to conditions in the U.S. plan to end the ongoing conflict. Trump had set a Sunday evening deadline for Hamas to accept his proposal, warning of severe consequences otherwise. Hamas announced it is willing to release all hostages, both alive and deceased, but requested further discussions on several key conditions. The White House had unveiled a 20-point plan last Monday, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for an immediate ceasefire, return of 20 living hostages within 72 hours, and handover of deceased hostages’ remains, in exchange for releasing hundreds of Gaza residents held by Israel. Trump emphasized that talks continue on unresolved issues, highlighting that the plan aims not only to stop the violence in Gaza but also to advance long-awaited peace in the Middle East.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has accused Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) of bias and arbitrariness after being denied the ‘Shapla’ (water lily) symbol, despite being granted registration as a political party. NCP stated that the EC initially assured them of including Shapla in its list of election symbols, and the flower has since gained widespread recognition as the party’s emblem. The EC later reversed its position, claiming Shapla is a national emblem, though NCP argued legally it is only one component of the emblem, as seen with other symbols like ‘paddy sheaf’ and ‘star’ already allocated to parties. The party further alleged that powerful political actors influenced the EC’s decision, questioning the commission’s neutrality. NCP warned that such inconsistency undermines free and fair elections. The party has urged the EC to amend rules if necessary and allocate Shapla, White Shapla, or Red Shapla to ensure an equal playing field for all.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that the 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump is not identical to the draft proposed by Arab and Muslim countries. Speaking to local politicians, Dar emphasized that modifications were made to Pakistan’s original draft and that he possesses evidence of these changes. The White House plan calls for a ceasefire, return of prisoners, disarmament of Hamas, and a new political structure in post-war Gaza, excluding Hamas entirely. Trump presented the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and initially gave Hamas 72 hours to respond, later extending it by a few days. Hamas officials said they are reviewing the proposal without feeling pressured. Reports suggest Netanyahu requested significant changes to the original draft during a six-hour meeting with Trump’s team. Pakistan maintains that the Trump-Netanyahu version differs considerably from the original Arab-Muslim draft.

Several leftist and progressive political parties in Bangladesh are preparing to unite under a common platform before the next parliamentary election. The Left Democratic Alliance and the Democracy Platform, along with other parties such as Gono Forum, Bangladesh JASAD, Samyabadi Dal, Oikya NAP, and NAP (Bhasani), are holding talks to strengthen their position both in elections and in movements. The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) is set to organize a major rally in Dhaka on November 14, likely to bring leftist forces together on one stage. Meanwhile, both the Left Democratic Alliance and the Democracy Platform are separately drafting candidate lists and considering expansion by including more like-minded parties. While the Democracy Platform plans to negotiate seat-sharing with the BNP, the Left Democratic Alliance intends to contest independently but may coordinate in some constituencies. Leaders say the full picture of unity will become clearer once the official election schedule is announced.

Police in Comilla’s Burichang upazila have arrested two influential Awami League figures, including Akhlak Haider, the general secretary of the local unit and former upazila chairman. Haider, wanted in several cases related to past violence and anti-government movements, was detained from his home in Sinduriapara, Moynamati Union, during a joint police and DB raid. He had been in hiding since August last year but reportedly re-emerged to organize opposition activities. He was also known for his close ties with former MPs Bahar Uddin Bahar and Abu Zaher, and previously held a dominant role in local administration. In a separate raid in Abidpur village, police also arrested youth leader Abu Musa, accused in multiple recent cases. Both were notorious for alleged control over tenders, extortion, and criminal networks in the area. Authorities confirmed legal action is underway, and the suspects are being processed for court. Their arrests have stirred significant attention in the region.

Ruhi Loren Akhtar, a humanitarian worker of Bangladeshi descent from Newcastle, UK, has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver essential aid to Gaza and raise international awareness against the blockade. She joined the flotilla on September 18, uniting with activists from multiple countries to highlight the severe shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities in the region. Ruhi emphasized that staying silent in the face of injustice is not a solution, noting that Palestinians have long been deprived of basic rights such as food, water, land, security, and freedom of movement. Her organization has previously provided emergency aid to displaced and conflict-affected communities in Greece, Gaza, and elsewhere. The flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces 129 kilometers off Gaza, included at least 201 passengers from countries including Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Malaysia. The initiative represents a global effort to deliver humanitarian aid and show solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized European Union leaders for repeatedly warning that Russia may attack NATO, calling such claims “meaningless mantras.” Speaking at the annual Valdai Discussion Club meeting, he said the idea of a Russian assault on NATO is “completely unthinkable.” According to Putin, if EU leaders truly believe this, they are either incompetent or deliberately misleading their people. He advised European leaders to calm down, get proper rest, and focus on their own political, social, and financial crises instead of fueling unnecessary fears. Putin further noted that several countries, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, have long expressed concerns that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden Moscow to target NATO members. Russian officials, however, argue that these warnings are used as scare tactics to justify greater militarization. Putin emphasized that Europe’s leaders should stop spreading fear and concentrate on resolving domestic instability.

Thousands of Malaysians rallied in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, braving continuous rain to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and show solidarity with Palestinians. After Friday prayers, demonstrators gathered outside the Tabung Haji building before marching toward the U.S. Embassy, chanting slogans and condemning Israeli aggression. Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, praised the Global Sumud Flotilla as a symbol of humanity and criticized the detention of volunteers carrying aid. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged caution on new flotilla missions, warning of risks but stressing the importance of humanitarian support. The third flotilla wave, carrying journalists, doctors, and aid workers, set sail from Italy on September 27 with nine Malaysian delegates aboard. Turkey, Indonesia, and Qatar voiced strong support for Gaza, while the U.S. and EU maintained cautious stances, balancing humanitarian concerns with Israeli security claims. The rally and flotilla highlight Muslim unity for Palestine and demonstrate ongoing global solidarity with Gaza despite political obstacles.