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.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to halt the Gaza war, labeling it a direct “threat” rather than a peace initiative. In a Facebook post on October 3, Mahathir argued that the proposal, co-drafted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is essentially a demand for Hamas to surrender within four days or face even deadlier massacres. He stated that the plan reflects Israel’s long-term agenda to force Palestinian capitulation under the guise of peace. Mahathir emphasized that over 60,000 Palestinians have already been killed, and asking them to surrender now would render their sacrifices meaningless and Gaza’s destruction futile. He further criticized Trump as a leader who pressures parties into submission rather than negotiating genuine peace, citing his failures in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Mahathir warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal, genocide in Gaza may escalate further with increased U.S. support for Israel.

US President Donald Trump has said that his administration’s newly imposed import tariffs could generate more than one trillion dollars in annual revenue for the United States. In an interview with One America News, Trump stated that revenue collection from tariffs has already begun and is projected to reach the trillion-dollar mark in the coming years. According to him, these tariffs are not only a revenue measure but also a protective step to safeguard the American economy against unfair trade practices. He emphasized that the US is open to trading with all nations, provided fairness and equal rights are ensured in such partnerships. Trump reiterated the same stance during his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly last month, highlighting that equitable trade is the foundation of his policy. The president believes that the tariffs placed on most countries around the world serve as a necessary shield to protect American industries and jobs.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman stated that there are no legal obstacles to implementing the July Charter, which will be carried out in line with recommendations from the National Consensus Commission. Speaking at a discussion with local journalists at Johan Dream Valley Park auditorium in Jhenaidah on Friday, October 3, he emphasized that all constitutional institutions were weakened during the Awami League’s rule. According to him, individuals in government service who were not involved in serious crimes during that period will continue their duties under the state. However, those who committed offenses under political directives will face legal action. He clarified that the government will assess their involvement case by case before taking action. Earlier in the day, a separate meeting was held with Jhenaidah Journalists’ Forum in Dhaka. The sessions were attended by prominent figures including leaders from the local press club, business associations, and political representatives, highlighting the broader public interest in the July Charter’s implementation.

BNP’s Secretary for International Affairs, Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, has warned that if elections are not held after February 2026, Bangladesh will fall into severe uncertainty. He urged the Election Commission to immediately begin preparations and to exclude individuals involved in previous elections as well as “supporters of fallen tyranny” from the electoral process. He accused the Awami League of destroying all key state institutions, including the judiciary, the Election Commission, and the police administration. Highlighting local development issues, he emphasized that reforms require coordinated action by all political parties. He stressed that BNP engages in politics not for power, but for the welfare of the people.

The U.S. has approved nearly $250 million in military aid to support Lebanon’s Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF). Before the fiscal year ended, $192 million was allocated to the LAF and $54 million to the ISF. The aid aims to strengthen state forces against terrorism and reduce Hezbollah’s influence. Lebanese President Michel Aoun recently met U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, urging increased support for the LAF to expand state authority nationwide.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Hezbollah remains active and is becoming increasingly powerful, despite attempts by its critics to downplay its influence. Speaking at an event commemorating the death anniversary of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Ghalibaf highlighted that Israel fears Hezbollah and Lebanon’s resistance forces. He emphasized that cooperation among Islamic countries strengthens the resistance front and stated that normalization plans like the Abraham Accords have never and will never succeed in undermining these movements.