Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that the Chief Adviser will soon make a final decision on the proposed referendum as intense disagreement persists among political parties. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday (October 30), he described the ongoing discord as disappointing, especially after 270 days of dialogue among parties. Nazrul noted that the initial disputes were about the agenda, but now divisions over the referendum have intensified tensions. He revealed that the issue was discussed in the Advisory Council meeting. The law adviser also warned that if any political party tries to impose its stance unilaterally on the government, it would undermine the spirit of July’s unity. He reaffirmed that the national election will be held in the first half of February and emphasized that maintaining a peaceful environment is a shared responsibility of both the government and political parties.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has asserted that the current interim government lacks the constitutional authority to give legal status to the “July Charter.” Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (October 30) at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Fakhrul said that any executive order must be signed by the President, and therefore the interim administration cannot provide legal legitimacy to such a document.

He described the year-long activities of the Reform Commission and the National Consensus Commission as meaningless, terming them a waste of time and an act of deception against the nation. Fakhrul alleged that the commission’s proposals and recommendations are one-sided and being imposed on the people without proper political consensus. He also claimed that some agreed-upon clauses were secretly altered.

The BNP leader further criticized the clause stating that the commission’s recommendations would automatically become part of the constitution within 270 days, calling it undemocratic. Senior BNP leaders, including Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Maj (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed, were present at the press conference.

The Ministry of Social Welfare has launched a technology-driven initiative to update the list of senior citizens receiving allowances under its social safety programs, describing it as a milestone for the caretaker government. Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid emphasized that for the first time, an accurate and transparent database will identify genuine beneficiaries through verification, biometric registration, and the Proxy Means Test (PMT) score. The project, currently piloted in eight upazilas including Mehendiganj, Shyamnagar, Tahirpur, Gouripur, Taraganj, Niamatpur, Ramgarh, and Kapasia, aims to eliminate irregularities and ensure that only eligible elderly citizens receive the allowances. The exercise will gradually expand nationwide, allowing the government to strengthen administrative capacity, maintain financial transparency, and provide timely social safety benefits to millions of senior citizens. Officials, beneficiaries, and local administrators participated in discussions via Zoom.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has announced that individuals involved in extortion, looting, harassment of ordinary citizens, or those affiliated with fascist and terrorist groups will not be allowed to join the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking as the chief guest at the Narsingdi District BNP’s membership drive program held on Wednesday (October 29) at the Heritage Resort Auditorium in Madhabdi, Rizvi emphasized the need to transform the BNP into a well-organized and ideology-driven political force representing all segments of society.

He stated that teachers, professionals, rickshaw-pullers, small traders, and common citizens should join BNP to build it as a true party of the people. Rizvi reaffirmed that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, the BNP would continue to move forward despite conspiracies to divide it.

The event was presided over by Narsingdi District BNP President and Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, with General Secretary Manjur Elahi conducting the session. Hundreds of leaders and activists from various levels attended. Leaders at the program stressed that the ongoing membership campaign will strengthen the party at the grassroots and that the people's participation will be BNP’s greatest strength.

Bangladesh’s National Consensus Commission has announced a detailed 315-day timeline for forming a bicameral legislature, introducing an upper house based on proportional representation (PR). According to the commission’s recommendations, elected parliament members must amend the constitution within 270 days of the first session to incorporate the July Charter reforms. If they fail to do so, the proposed provisions will automatically become part of the constitution. Within 45 days thereafter, a 100-member upper house will be established under the PR system.

At a press briefing held on October 28 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, commission vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz explained the three-phase implementation plan. The first phase involves immediate government actions through ordinances; the second covers changes achievable via administrative orders; and the third outlines constitutional reforms requiring parliamentary and public approval. The commission also advised the government to hold a referendum seeking citizens’ consent on 48 constitutional issues included in the July Charter 2025. Once approved, the 13th Parliament will function simultaneously as the National Assembly and the Constitution Reform Council for 270 days to execute necessary legal amendments.

In an exclusive interview with Jugantor, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, Muhajir Farahi, firmly rejected claims that India is Kabul’s “regional boss,” emphasizing that the Taliban government maintains an independent foreign policy guided by Islamic and national values. Farahi stated that Afghanistan wants friendly relations with all neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Iran, China, and Bangladesh, while refusing to be drawn into regional rivalries.

Addressing the recent Pakistan–Afghanistan border conflict, Farahi accused Pakistan’s military of violating Afghan airspace and attacking civilians but stressed that Kabul seeks peaceful solutions. He dismissed Islamabad’s claims that the Taliban shelters Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), calling it “Pakistan’s internal problem.” Farahi also defended Taliban governance, saying Sharia-based laws are implemented fairly through qualified judges.

On economic issues, he said Afghanistan now runs on domestic revenue without foreign aid and has achieved major success by eliminating opium cultivation. Farahi further expressed optimism about improving ties with Bangladesh, describing it as a “brotherly Muslim nation.” Regarding India, he reiterated that cooperation does not imply subordination. “No one dictates our policies,” he said, adding that Afghanistan wants harmony with all regional powers.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have signed an upgraded “3.0” version of their free trade agreement, aiming to deepen economic cooperation across infrastructure, digitalization, green transition, trade facilitation, and people-to-people exchange. The agreement was signed on October 28 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Trade between China and ASEAN has steadily grown despite global trade tensions, reaching $785 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 9.6% increase from last year. The rise reflects both industrial supply chain products and an increasing share of Chinese consumer goods in Southeast Asian markets. Officials expect the new agreement to broaden and enhance high-quality economic collaboration between the two regions.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain has stated that the government has taken legal steps to request the return of Sheikh Hasina following court directives, and the matter now awaits India’s response. Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28 October, he criticized Bangladeshi journalists who visited India, saying that when India’s Foreign Secretary emphasized the need for an inclusive and transparent election, no journalists asked critical questions regarding the last 15 years or the previous election formula. Hossain expressed surprise that senior and experienced journalists missed the opportunity to raise relevant issues. He also commented on the appointment of the new UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, assuring that no candidate who could create controversy or problems would be appointed.

At the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, China clearly signaled its support for open trade and regional economic cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to safeguard East Asia’s peace and stability, uphold free and multilateral trade systems, and reject protectionism—remarks widely seen as a subtle critique of U.S. high-tariff policies. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump signed new trade framework agreements with four countries but avoided meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had offered dialogue to ease trade tensions. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reported that his meeting with Trump resulted in more favorable trade terms for Brazil, easing previous tensions. The China-led RCEP bloc, representing nearly 30% of global GDP, called for rapid expansion, while Europe and Japan expressed concern over China’s rare earth export controls affecting global supply chains. China’s message at ASEAN was clear: positioning itself as a global free trade advocate.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Md. Moazzem Hossain, APS to Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and Tuhin Farabi, PO to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, over serious corruption allegations, including bribery, favoritism in contracts, and commission in procurement. The ACC’s intelligence unit found preliminary evidence, including irregular bank transactions, yet public investigation remains stalled more than seven months after the inquiry began. Investigators cite influence from powerful quarters and fear of repercussions as reasons for the delay. Both officials were removed from their posts earlier this year. Experts and activists have criticized the ACC’s slow response, noting a pattern of selective enforcement that targets opposition figures while high-profile individuals aligned with past governments face little action. Meanwhile, cases against former ministers and MPs have already progressed.

Pakistan is reportedly considering sending troops to Gaza as part of the proposed International Stability Force (ISF), a multinational peacekeeping mission backed by the United States to ensure stability in the war-torn region. According to Islamabad officials, talks between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership are in advanced stages, and a formal announcement could come soon. The ISF, expected to comprise soldiers from Muslim-majority countries, aims to enforce a fragile ceasefire, disarm Hamas, secure Gaza’s borders, and assist in humanitarian relief under an interim Palestinian authority. The U.S. has denied plans to deploy its own troops but is engaging with Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan for contributions. Pakistani officials cite moral and diplomatic obligations as reasons for joining the mission, while Israel has opposed Turkish participation in the force.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced that 13 Ansar members will be stationed at each polling center during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Four of them will carry firearms, while one armed member will be specifically assigned to protect the presiding officer. Speaking at a vehicle handover ceremony organized by the Bangladesh Ansar Welfare Trust in Khilgaon, Dhaka, he emphasized that this will be the largest deployment of Ansar personnel in any national election. The adviser noted that Ansar members will serve for nine days during the election period to ensure security and order. Praising their contribution, he said Ansar and VDP play a vital role in maintaining national peace and stability. Responding to a question about weapons looted during the July uprising, he said recovery operations are ongoing and intensifying as the election draws closer.

U.S. Senator Rick Scott has declared that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s rule is nearing its end, urging him to flee the country before it’s too late. In an interview with CBS, the Florida Republican warned that Maduro’s “days are numbered” and suggested he should seek refuge in Russia or China. Scott dismissed the likelihood of a U.S. military invasion but predicted that “something will happen—either internally or externally.” His comments came amid escalating regional tensions, following the arrival of a U.S. warship in Trinidad and Tobago and renewed pressure from the Trump administration on Venezuela. Earlier, President Donald Trump had authorized CIA operations in the country. Scott suggested that ousting Maduro could signal the eventual downfall of Cuba, a longtime adversary of U.S. influence. Meanwhile, Venezuela has accused Washington of trying to ignite a “new endless war” and deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S missiles to boost its air defense.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for significant reforms in the UN Security Council, highlighting its lack of representation for Africa, Latin America, and several Asian countries. Speaking at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, he emphasized the need to review the veto powers of permanent members, noting proposals from the UK and France to limit their use. Guterres also addressed global financial inequalities, advocating a more inclusive and fair governance structure and urging multilateral development banks to triple their lending capacity for developing nations. On climate change, he stressed that G20 countries, responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions, must lead initiatives, while all nations contribute according to their capacity. He called for concrete agreements at the upcoming Brazil conference to limit warming to 1.5°C and ensure $1.3 trillion in annual climate funding for developing countries by 2035.

Malaysia has confirmed its readiness to participate in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasizing the country’s willingness to work alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other like-minded nations. The announcement followed a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s firm support for Palestine and welcomed international legal positions condemning Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The discussion also covered Malaysia’s support for UN reforms, including the “Pact for the Future” and “UN80 Initiative,” ASEAN peace efforts in Thailand and Cambodia, inclusive dialogue in Myanmar, and global climate action, including Malaysia’s submission of its NDC 3.0 ahead of COP30. Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development and ASEAN Community Vision 2045.