For the first time, two Bangladeshis are running in Portugal’s local government elections, marking a significant milestone in immigrant political engagement. Shah Alam Kajol is seeking re-election in Porto’s Bonfim Junta area as a Socialist Party candidate, having previously served as a councilor. Meanwhile, Masud Majumdar is participating for the first time in Lisbon’s São Vicente Junta Freguesia area as an independent candidate. Both emphasize their commitment to addressing real local issues and improving citizens’ quality of life. Experts and community leaders note that immigrant leadership is vital, especially amid rising right-wing politics in Portugal. Their active participation is inspiring not only the Bangladeshi diaspora but also other immigrant communities, sending a positive message about inclusion and representation. These developments are strengthening the visibility of Bangladeshis in Europe and enhancing the country’s image internationally.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan is scheduled to testify today before the International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The testimony also includes allegations against eight others in connection with the killings of six people at Dhaka’s Chankharpul area during the July–August 2024 student protests. The trial is being conducted under the supervision of Justice Md. Golam Murtuza Mojumdar at International Crimes Tribunal-1. Four accused—former Shahbagh Police Station OC Md. Arshad Hossain, constable Md. Sujan Mia, Md. Imaj Hossain Imon, and Md. Nasirul Islam—are in custody, while four others, including former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, remain absconding. The tribunal had framed charges against all eight accused on July 14, 2024. During the protests on August 5, 2024, police fired on students, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, including six confirmed fatalities.

Bangladesh’s political parties have reached a broad agreement to implement the “July National Charter 2025” through a national referendum, but they remain divided over when it should be held. The BNP proposes holding the referendum alongside the upcoming parliamentary election, while Jamaat-e-Islami wants it in November, followed by a February election based on the charter. The Consensus Commission has concluded its talks with the parties without reaching any decision and will submit its recommendations to the government by tomorrow. The charter includes 84 reform proposals, requiring executive orders, presidential ordinances, and constitutional amendments. Political analyst Ali Riaz emphasized ensuring voters understand dissenting views before approving the charter. BNP seeks a quick resolution for legal legitimacy, while Jamaat warns that combining the election and referendum could undermine credibility. The final decision on timing now rests with the government.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has responded sharply to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s sarcastic comments about her “anger issues,” suggesting that he might be the one in need of anger management. Trump mocked Thunberg after her detention and deportation by Israeli authorities during a Gaza aid mission, calling her “angry” and “troublesome.” In a witty Instagram post, Thunberg thanked Trump for his “concern” about her mental health and offered to take his advice on anger management—if he could manage his own. This latest exchange continues a long-running feud between the two, dating back to Trump’s earlier mockery of Thunberg’s climate activism at the United Nations. Thunberg, now 22, gained fame for her Fridays for Future movement and remains active in humanitarian causes. She was warmly welcomed in Greece after being released, along with 171 activists deported from Israel.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam said Islamic politics is aimed at justice and public welfare, not the pursuit of power. Speaking at a campaign rally organized by Kursha Union Jamaat at Dangar Bazar in Taraganj upazila on Tuesday, he urged voters to support him under the “scale” election symbol in the upcoming national polls. Azhar claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity, but he was later cleared of the charges by divine grace. Calling himself an orphan and elderly, he appealed for public support, assuring that he would not betray their trust if elected. The event was chaired by upazila Jamaat Ameer SM Alamgir Hossain, with participation from local Jamaat leaders and activists.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal has expelled two of its senior leaders from Chattogram for alleged involvement in violence and actions deemed contrary to the organization’s principles. The expelled leaders are Mokammel Haque Talukder, Vice President of Chattogram South District Jubo Dal, and Rokon Uddin Member, Joint General Secretary of Chattogram North District Jubo Dal. A press release signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, Assistant Office Secretary of the central committee, confirmed the decision late Monday night. Rokon Uddin was named as the prime suspect in a case filed after an armed attack in Sitakunda’s Alinagar area, which left one person dead and 14 injured. Mokammel Haque was removed for allegedly engaging in activities damaging the party’s reputation. Central leaders Abdul Monayem Munna and Nurul Islam Noyon approved the expulsion, instructing members not to maintain any organizational connection with the dismissed leaders.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruffin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister after dissolving the previous government amid intensifying nationwide protests. The demonstrations, now entering their third week, were triggered by widespread electricity outages and water shortages that have crippled daily life across the island nation. Protesters, led by the youth movement “Gen Z Madagascar,” are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, chanting slogans like “Rajoelina Out” and “We are poor, angry, and unhappy.” Violence has escalated, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets, looting reported in several cities, and a night curfew imposed in the capital Antananarivo. President Rajoelina said the new prime minister’s main task is to restore law and order and rebuild public trust. Analysts say the unrest reflects a broader generational discontent seen in other African nations facing similar crises.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has praised Chinese-made military platforms used during the May conflict with India, calling them “exceptionally effective.” In an interview last week, he said modern Chinese systems such as the J-10C fighter jets performed outstandingly, helping Pakistan achieve strategic success. Pakistani media reported that the country claims to have downed seven Indian aircraft, an increase from earlier figures. India, however, disputes this, asserting it destroyed around a dozen Pakistani jets. Chaudhry dismissed Indian claims, emphasizing that no Pakistani aircraft were lost. He also stressed that Pakistan purchases both Chinese and Western equipment, prioritizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness over competition. The comments come amid growing regional attention on Pakistan’s deepening defense ties with China, further reinforced by President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to Chengdu, where Chinese J-10 fighters are manufactured.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has claimed that three major world powers are attempting to exert aggression and dominance over Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University’s TSC auditorium on Tuesday (October 7), marking the sixth death anniversary of BUET student Abrar Fahad, Salahuddin accused two regional powers and one global superpower of trying to influence the nation’s sovereignty. He also criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeling her a subservient leader under whose watch such foreign interference has flourished. Recalling the brutal killing of Abrar Fahad for opposing Indian dominance, he said that incident served as a warning to silence dissent. Salahuddin urged for honest, competent, and visionary leadership to restore healthy political competition and safeguard national integrity from foreign dominance.

National Citizen Party (NCP) North Zone Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam has stated that some advisers of the interim government have “no safe exit except death.” Speaking at a press conference after a coordination meeting of the NCP’s Naogaon district branch on Tuesday, October 7, Sarjis criticized certain advisers for showing negligence and attempting to escape responsibility through the election process. He said the duties achieved through the blood of martyrs must not be taken lightly and warned that the people of Bangladesh would hold them accountable wherever they go. Sarjis also criticized the Election Commission for trying to register a party named “National League,” which lacks proper infrastructure. He urged the Commission to act independently and responsibly. Regarding future alliances, he said discussions with various political parties are ongoing and that NCP plans to strengthen its organizational base nationwide by November.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has expressed grave concern over a series of recent attacks on police officers across the country. Despite the police’s vital role in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and securing national, religious, and cultural events, several violent incidents have targeted law enforcement personnel in recent days. On October 4, an additional superintendent of police was attacked in Narsingdi during an anti-extortion drive, while in Bogura, three officers were injured, and a detainee was snatched away during an arrest operation. The following day, five more officers were injured in Sylhet’s Companiganj, and another attack occurred in Feni’s Sonagazi. The association condemned these incidents as deliberate attempts by vested groups to undermine police morale and disrupt public order. It affirmed that police will continue to act lawfully and professionally to uphold justice and support the interim government’s goals.

Millions of people across Europe have taken to the streets, calling for an end to two years of Israeli attacks in Gaza and the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid. The largest turnout was in Amsterdam, where around 250,000 people marched through the city center waving Palestinian flags and demanding their government take a tougher stance on Israel and halt arms supplies. Protests were also held in Istanbul, Ankara, Barcelona, Sofia, and Rabat, highlighting global solidarity with Palestinians. Amnesty International organized many of these demonstrations, urging European governments to use all diplomatic and economic measures to pressure Israel. Protesters emphasized the urgent need to stop bloodshed, label the ongoing oppression as genocide, and suspend arms trade and other collaborations with Israel, reflecting widespread public anger over the humanitarian crisis.

The family of the late Khondkar Delwar Hossain, former BNP secretary-general, has alleged that four men claiming to be local Jubo Dal leaders forcibly demanded money from them while threatening their safety. The incident occurred on October 3 at Flat 4/B, House No. 653, Greenway, Noyatola, Hatirjheel. Fearing for their lives, the victims withdrew 80,000 taka from a nearby booth and were forced to sign a cheque for an additional 20,000 taka. The assailants reportedly confiscated mobile phones and intimidated children, returning the next day to threaten the family to vacate the flat. Hatirjheel Police have registered a case, are analyzing CCTV footage, and are investigating the suspects’ political affiliations. Khondkar Delwar Hossain was a five-time MP, former BNP chief whip, and recipient of the Ekushey Padak for his contributions to the Language Movement.

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), expressed confidence in his party’s victory in the upcoming national elections, asserting that BNP is positioned to form the government independently. Speaking to the UK-based Financial Times, Rahman said he would soon return from London to contest in the elections, emphasizing that the student-led uprising will not be complete until Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule ends and a free, fair election is held. He welcomed young activists into politics, promising a diversified economy through initiatives such as making Bangladesh a supply hub for global e-commerce firms like Amazon and Alibaba. Rahman criticized Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule for corruption and suppression of dissent, including extrajudicial killings. He pledged that a BNP government would break the cycle of political vengeance and continue efforts to recover alleged misappropriated funds. The BNP leader also stressed a “Bangladesh first” foreign policy toward India.

Syria has officially released the results of its first parliamentary election since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. The election commission announced on Monday that the outcomes for two-thirds of parliamentary seats are final and not subject to appeal. President Ahmad al-Shara will appoint members for the remaining one-third of seats, a process separate from the electoral body. On Sunday, Syrian voters cast ballots to elect representatives for 210 parliamentary seats, with 1,578 candidates competing, including 14 percent women. Authorities described the election as a key step in Syria’s political transition, marking the country’s first post-Assad electoral process. Officials emphasized the transparency and finality of the results, while noting that the appointment of remaining members by the president ensures a complete parliamentary body.