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.

The Government of Bangladesh has strongly condemned the Israeli detention of the Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a severe violation of international law and an example of using hunger as a weapon. Bangladesh demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained human rights and peace activists and urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, respect international law, and allow uninterrupted humanitarian access. Bangladesh expressed steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Israeli forces detained 23 Malaysians, including public figures, from the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the arrests, launching diplomatic talks with Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and planning outreach to the U.S. The mission, backed by Greta Thunberg and Susan Sarandon, aimed to challenge Gaza’s blockade. Protests in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia demanded the detainees’ release and humanitarian access to Gaza. Malaysia insists humanitarian aid must not be obstructed and vows continued global advocacy.

Venezuela’s defense minister said five U.S. warplanes were detected about 75 kilometers off its coast, calling the move a threat from Washington. The government accused the U.S. of reckless actions that undermine Caribbean peace and urged American officials to step back. The U.S. has deployed warships in the region, citing anti-drug operations, and claimed to have destroyed Venezuelan boats, killing several. President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of seeking regime change but signaled willingness to talk with U.S. envoy Richard Grenell.

DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem announced that October 7 will be observed as “Anti-Aggression Day,” honoring BUET student Abrar Fahad, who was killed in 2019 for opposing unequal Bangladesh-India deals and water aggression. Kayem said Abrar’s martyrdom sparked mass awakening against exploitation, domination, and fascist rule. He urged the interim government and universities to recognize the day officially. Kayem made the announcement after visiting Abrar’s grave in Kushtia, where he broke down in tears during prayers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5 or 6 for the annual bilateral summit. During his trip to New Delhi, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss key issues, including trade relations and U.S. tariffs on Indian goods linked to Russian oil purchases. The meeting is seen as a move to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Putin and Modi last met recently during the SCO summit in China.

Law enforcement agencies have reported that a defeated political faction, with alleged foreign support, planned to create unrest in Dhaka by gathering 25,000 people at Dhanmondi-32. The conspirators aimed to destabilize the interim government, exploit religious sensitivities, and carry out quick rallies across the city. Police intelligence and cyber units have foiled multiple attempts, making arrests and monitoring suspicious insiders. Authorities continue to implement preventive measures, maintain vigilance, and coordinate intelligence to prevent October unrest and protect public order.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed cautious optimism about U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, describing it as a “ray of light at the end of the tunnel.” Putin emphasized that Russia could support the plan under certain conditions, highlighting the need for clear agreements on prisoner releases, local authority powers, and security arrangements. He also stressed that any solution must reflect the views of Palestinians, regional countries, and Hamas, while ultimately transferring governance to the Palestinian administration.

Brigadier General Hossein Nejat, deputy commander of Iran’s Tharallah base, stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has enhanced its offensive capabilities more than tenfold compared to the 12-day conflict with Israel last June. Following the ‘True Promise–Two’ operation, IRGC units focused on readiness, identifying enemy defenses, and strengthening structural weaknesses. This improvement combines advanced weaponry, strategic planning, coordinated exercises, and unit collaboration. Nejat warned that any future Israeli misstep would face a much stronger and more effective Iranian response.