Dhaka University Central Student Union Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayeem visited the grave of Martyr Abrar Fahad in Kushtia, breaking down in tears. Abrar, killed by Chhatra League activists over a Facebook post about the Assam Accord and water disputes, is hailed as a symbol of national unity. Kayeem prayed for his soul and emphasized that Abrar’s courage against oppression inspired the July movement. He urged the interim government to uphold the ideals for which martyrs sacrificed their lives.

The United States government has entered its first shutdown in seven years after Congress failed to agree on a spending plan. The White House warned that over 700,000 federal employees could be furloughed within days, with “essential” staff forced to work without pay. Republicans and Democrats continue to trade blame over healthcare funding and budget priorities, while uncertainty grows over whether furloughed workers will receive back pay. Analysts say the crisis may hit harder than the 2018 shutdown.

In a statement on October 2, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Maulana Muhammad Imtiaz Alam warned that without legal recognition of the July Charter, vested groups may brand the uprising as a conspiracy. He said attempts are underway to erase the July movement from history. Alam stressed that martyrs and injured freedom fighters must not be discredited as traitors and criticized the interim government’s failure to provide proper medical care and rehabilitation for the wounded.

India and China will restart direct passenger flights in late October 2025, five years after services were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing tensions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the move as a major step toward normalizing bilateral ties. Discussions earlier this year included resuming flights and updating air service agreements. Designated airlines from both countries will operate under the winter schedule. Officials say the decision will boost people-to-people connectivity and help restore bilateral exchanges.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has directed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select an alternative election symbol by October 7, as their preferred “lotus” symbol is not included in the official electoral guidelines. The NCP initially applied for registration with a list of three preferred symbols: lotus, pen, and mobile phone. However, under the 2008 electoral conduct rules, the lotus cannot be allotted since it is not on the approved list of 115 reserved symbols. In response, NCP leaders accused the Commission of unconstitutional and discriminatory practices, alleging favoritism and bias in symbol allocation. The Commission insists NCP must choose from the 50 available unallocated symbols, which include items like ostrich, cupboard, football, sewing machine, and helicopter. Out of 143 applications for registration, only two parties, including NCP, met preliminary conditions.

French MEP Rima Hasan, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, declared she will not give up in the fight for Palestinian independence. Hasan called for worldwide protests against Israel and shared a video holding the Palestinian flag after her ship was attacked near Gaza. The flotilla, consisting of over 40 civilian vessels from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel claims links to Hamas but has provided no evidence. The fleet was scheduled to reach Gaza Thursday morning.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 38 entities and individuals for supplying defense equipment to Iran. Networks linked to Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group are accused of acquiring military technology domestically, while others operating across Iran, Hong Kong, and China supplied U.S.-made electronics to Shiraz Electronics Industries. Another network provided equipment for helicopters used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. All listed assets under U.S. jurisdiction will be blocked, with U.S. citizens and foreign banks restricted from significant transactions.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered all Israeli diplomats to leave the country after Israeli forces detained two Colombians aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying aid to Gaza. The flotilla, made up of around 45 vessels, came under Israeli attack, with several ships seized. Petro condemned the action as a violation of international law and canceled Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel. He had already cut diplomatic ties in May but escalated measures with this expulsion order.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Turkey after Israel intercepted several ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla. In Naples, protesters blocked train services, while in Rome, police surrounded demonstrators near Termini station. Videos on social media showed mass rallies in Berlin, Athens, and Istanbul. The flotilla, with more than 45 vessels carrying 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, aims to break the Gaza blockade with food and medical supplies despite Israeli warnings.

Israel has blocked the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, with reports of its navy boarding some ships, including Alma and Sirius. Italy’s largest labor union has announced a nationwide strike in protest, following demonstrations in cities such as Naples. Organizers say broadcasts from most vessels stopped as Israeli forces surrounded them. While some ships were halted, others continue toward Gaza. The flotilla includes 45 civilian vessels with 500 people, among them lawmakers, activists, and Greta Thunberg.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh soon, with the exact date to be announced personally by him, according to his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir. Speaking at a press briefing upon his return from the UN General Assembly session, Kabir accused Awami League of engaging in political terrorism by attacking opposition leaders abroad. He assured that the upcoming national elections will take place on time under the caretaker government, without fear of disruption. However, the briefing turned chaotic when NCP activists shouted slogans, leading to clashes with journalists. In protest of misbehavior by party activists, journalists boycotted statements from senior NCP leaders Akhtar Hossain and Tasnim Zara. The situation underscored growing political tensions as Bangladesh braces for elections.

A detailed investigation alleges a large-scale operation producing near-perfect counterfeit Bangladeshi notes abroad and smuggling them into the country via an organized chain linking dealers, retail vendors and fugitive political figures. Sources claim a neighbouring state’s intelligence service and foreign-made machinery and components supply counterfeit currency, with documentary-quality paper matching Bangladesh notes. Social media platforms and secret groups are used to advertise and sell fake notes, offering bulk discounts and deceptive guarantees to build trust. Law enforcement reacted after a viral exposé by a Qatar-based journalist, and Bangladesh Bank described the allegation—if true—as deeply alarming, urging stronger police action and public vigilance. Officials suggest insider knowledge from former mint designers and politically-aligned staff may have aided the operation. Authorities are investigating networks, tightening monitoring, and warning citizens against suspicious online offers and secret-group solicitations, even money-back guarantees to buyers regularly.

An explosive revelation claims Sheikh Hasina and exiled Awami League leaders, with the backing of a foreign intelligence agency, are plotting to cripple Bangladesh’s economy by smuggling nearly two lakh crore taka worth of counterfeit notes into the country. Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan exposed the plan, sparking nationwide concern. Reports indicate that advanced printing facilities abroad, even using paper identical to Bangladesh’s official notes, are producing these fakes, making detection nearly impossible. Former mint designers and Awami-linked technicians are suspected of aiding the scheme. Authorities fear this influx could trigger inflation, erode public trust in currency, and destabilize financial institutions. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are on high alert, cracking down on secret networks and online groups trading fake notes. Bangladesh Bank warns citizens to stay vigilant, as the stakes for economic security remain dangerously high.

Education advisor Prof. Dr. C. R. Abrar has accused political syndicates of taking control of educational institutions across Bangladesh, discouraging genuine philanthropists and alumni from contributing to development. Speaking at the 246th founding anniversary of Dhaka Alia Madrasa, he said that in the past, wealthy individuals and communities actively worked to improve schools, but political interference pushed them away. Alumni also distanced themselves, fearing conflict with politically linked groups who treat institutions as personal property. Abrar noted that the burden of improvement now solely falls on the government. He revealed that the interim government is formulating policies to free institutions from such groups, enabling social workers and education enthusiasts to contribute once again. He expressed hope that reforms will soon bring positive results in the country’s education system.

During an interview in New York on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus highlighted India’s consistent backing of Sheikh Hasina, noting that New Delhi still hopes she may one day return to Bangladesh as a victorious leader. Speaking to journalist Mehdi Hasan of digital media outlet GTO, Yunus addressed concerns over Awami League’s virtual meeting with Hasina, suggesting external forces could aid her return. He confirmed direct talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that Hasina not comment on Bangladesh while in India. Yunus also discussed key issues such as the July uprising, the fall of the Awami League government, his interim leadership, the party’s ban, and upcoming elections, underscoring the delicate balance of domestic politics and regional influence shaping Bangladesh’s path ahead.