During a large-scale operation conducted by the Malaysian Immigration Department, a total of 97 illegal immigrants were arrested in the busy areas of Klang and Kajang, Selangor, including 24 Bangladeshis. The operation, carried out by a special task force led by JIM Putrajaya on Sunday evening, involved around 90 officers and targeted areas long reported to harbor foreigners living under temporary work visas (PLKS) illegally. Officers checked the documents of 884 individuals, detaining 97 foreigners, including employers or local recruiters. The arrested individuals ranged in age from 18 to 62 and included citizens from Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Pakistan, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Investigations are ongoing under Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63. The detainees were taken to Beranang Immigration Depot in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Depot for further legal proceedings.

Abul Kasem Rinku, a field assistant at Talatoli Upazila Fisheries Office and student leader, along with his father Jalil Fakir, Labour Affairs Secretary of the Upazila Awami League, has been accused of fishing hilsa illegally in the sea despite a government ban. The incident occurred late Sunday night at Fakirhat Fisheries Landing Center, Sonakata Union, Barguna. Local fishermen intercepted a large catch while it was being moved to Rinku’s fish market. Allegations suggest that Upazila Fisheries Officer Victor Bain may have colluded, allowing the father-son duo to violate regulations. Fishermen reported threats when they protested the illegal activity. Rinku denied involvement, claiming political harassment, while authorities promised a thorough investigation and legal action. The incident has drawn attention to misuse of political influence in fisheries and highlighted challenges in enforcing government fishing bans in coastal areas, sparking local unrest and media coverage.

A Dhaka court has ordered the arrest of Jahangir Kabir, also known as Lipton, a member of the armed wing of the extremist group Gana Mukti Fouj, in connection with a high-profile kidnapping case. Lipton allegedly abducted businessman Alhaj Md. Belal Hossain in October 2016 from Kallyanpur bus stand, blindfolded and restrained him, and held him in a secret location for 31 days while demanding a ransom of 100 million taka for his release. Military forces had previously arrested him in Kushtia in June, and several cases were filed against him. During the court hearing on October 6, Lipton was remanded to jail following a request from CID Inspector Krishnadas Bairagi. The case also mentions threats against Belal Hossain’s family. Belal Hossain has called for justice, urging authorities to bring the accused under legal action.

Police have arrested three individuals, including Asaduzzaman Mintu Mallik, president of the Amtali Upazila Sramik League and chairman of Holdia Union Parishad, in connection with a case filed over an attack on a BNP rally in Barguna’s Amtali upazila. The other two arrestees are Arpangasia Union Awami League president Humayun Kabir and Amtali Municipality Jubo League joint general secretary Amit Rasul Apu. They were detained during a police operation on Sunday night and produced before the Amtali Senior Judicial Magistrate Court on Monday afternoon, where Judge Md. Ifti Hasan Imran ordered them to be sent to jail. The case, filed under the Explosives and Special Powers Acts, names 65 accused and 150 unidentified persons. The attack reportedly took place on October 22 last year, when BNP activists organized a procession that came under assault by Awami League members.

Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan’s appearance at the West Bengal government–organized Durga Puja Carnival has sparked controversy and political backlash. BJP leaders in Durgapur, Bardhaman district, staged a protest questioning why a Bangladeshi artist was invited to perform at a state-sponsored religious event. Though Jaya had already left the venue after performing a Rabindra Sangeet, BJP members accused the organizers of “insulting Goddess Durga” by including her in the program. The controversy follows earlier criticisms by Trinamool Congress councillor Jui Biswas, who had opposed Bangladeshi actors working in Indian films. The incident adds a new dimension to the growing cultural and political debate over cross-border artistic collaboration between India and Bangladesh, particularly during religious and state events.

A new report from Brown University’s Cost of War Project reveals that the United States has spent nearly $34 billion on military operations and aid in the Middle East over the past two years. Of this, Israel alone has received more than $21 billion in support—fueling its continued offensives in Gaza, Yemen, and tensions with Iran. Analysts argue that without U.S. funding, weapons, and political backing, Israel could not sustain prolonged conflicts across multiple fronts. The report, titled “U.S. Military Aid and Arms Transfers to Israel, October 2023–September 2025,” underscores Washington’s central role in the region’s instability. Critics in the U.S. note growing frustration among taxpayers, who bear the cost of these wars. Meanwhile, public opinion among American Jews is shifting, with many acknowledging Israel’s actions in Gaza as war crimes. Experts warn this support may reshape U.S. politics ahead of the 2028 elections.

The Bangladesh government has decided to officially recognize October 7, the death anniversary of BUET student Abrar Fahad, as a national day of observance. The move comes six years after Abrar was brutally killed by members of the banned Chhatra League for posting an anti-India status on Facebook. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will also observe February 25 as BDR Massacre Day. On the eve of Abrar’s sixth death anniversary, a documentary titled “You Failed to Kill Abrar Fahad” will be screened simultaneously across all Shilpakala Academies, with Abrar’s father attending the Dhaka screening. The government is also preparing a national calendar highlighting significant political and cultural dates, where both days will be commemorated annually. Abrar’s murder in 2019 sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over student politics, freedom of expression, and justice in Bangladesh’s higher education institutions.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, stated that several significant events will unfold within the next week, including the submission of investigation reports on multiple enforced disappearance cases from the Awami League’s tenure. Speaking to journalists on Monday, he said these cases are nearing completion, and formal charges will follow soon after. Addressing concerns about delays, Tajul Islam emphasized that justice is progressing as expected and that trials against those accused of crimes against humanity are moving toward conclusion. Regarding the case involving Obaidul Quader, he mentioned that proceedings are ongoing and results will be visible in due course. He asserted that no one will escape justice and that all accused will eventually face trial. The prosecutor reaffirmed that the tribunal is on the right path to fulfill the nation’s expectation for justice.

Non-performing loans in Bangladesh’s banking sector have surged to Tk 6.67 trillion, or 33 percent of total loans, according to recent data from Bangladesh Bank. Officials attribute the rise to three main factors: hidden loans issued during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure are now being revealed, the timeline to declare a loan non-performing was shortened from six months to three months to meet IMF conditions, and special exemptions for agricultural and SME loans were removed. For the first time, the central bank disclosed 3,483 deliberate defaulters. Experts warn urgent legal action is necessary to prevent further banking sector collapse. Former officials emphasize that many of these funds have been transferred abroad and demand the creation of special tribunals or dedicated High Court benches to expedite justice.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has held a public hearing on a proposal to nearly double gas prices for fertilizer factories—from Tk 16 to Tk 40 per unit. Petrobangla and six gas distribution companies argued that the price hike would reduce financial losses and help sustain gas supply, while a BERC technical committee suggested Tk 30 as a more balanced rate. Critics at the hearing warned that higher gas costs would raise fertilizer production expenses, potentially driving up prices for farmers and consumers. The Agriculture Ministry stated that the government currently subsidizes Tk 13,000 per ton of fertilizer and intends to maintain stable prices for farmers. However, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) criticized previous unfulfilled promises of uninterrupted gas supply, noting a drop of 300,000 tons in annual fertilizer production. Stakeholders urged caution, emphasizing that gas supply must be ensured before any price increase.

Mass protests led mainly by Madagascar’s Gen Z youth have continued for a third straight week, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. What began as demonstrations over chronic shortages of water and electricity has evolved into a broader movement against corruption, inequality, and government failure. Police in the capital Antananarivo used tear gas to disperse protesters, with clashes also reported in the cities of Toliara and Diego Suarez. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and over a hundred injured, though the government disputes these figures. President Rajoelina, who dissolved his cabinet last week, has refused to resign, saying he is open to dialogue but will not step down. Civil society groups have urged authorities to ensure the safety of demonstrators and release detained activists as public anger grows across the country.

Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Aminul Islam Bulbul has been elected unopposed as the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The election took place on Monday (October 6) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. Bulbul, who earlier won as a director from the district and divisional category, became president without any rival candidate. A total of 23 directors were elected from three categories — district and divisional representatives, Dhaka club representatives, and former cricketers or institutional nominees. Additionally, the National Sports Council nominated two directors: M. Isfak Ahsan and Yasir Mohammad Faisal Ashiq. Among the notable winners were Khaled Masud Pilot from the ex-cricketers’ category and several prominent cricket figures from different divisions. Bulbul’s unopposed victory marks a new chapter for the BCB under the leadership of a former national captain.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has emphasized that real and lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Speaking amid Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, Sisi said that a Gaza ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and the launch of a credible political process are essential steps toward long-term stability. Egypt has been hosting negotiations involving international mediators seeking to end the conflict. However, despite diplomatic efforts, Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, killing at least seven more Palestinians early Monday, including some who were collecting aid. Since the war began, Israeli strikes have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and injured over 169,000 others, with many still feared trapped under the rubble. Observers say Egypt’s strong statement underscores growing regional frustration over the prolonged violence and lack of progress toward a two-state solution.

India is set to purchase five additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, aiming to strengthen its air defense network and enhance national security. Senior Indian defense officials are scheduled to meet Russian counterparts this week to finalize whether the missiles will be jointly produced or directly purchased. Officials anticipate signing the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in early December. India also plans to involve the private sector to develop local maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities for the S-400 systems. The country has already received three systems under a $5.43 billion contract, with two more expected in 2026. The S-400s played a critical role during the May border conflict with Pakistan. Additionally, India intends to procure 200 km range R-27BV missiles to strengthen its Su-30MKI fighter fleet, while gradually boosting domestic defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

Liakat Ali, General Secretary of Jhilongja Union BNP in Cox’s Bazar Sadar, was critically injured after a violent attack at his home late Sunday night, October 5. Four youths on two motorcycles entered his house in the Link Road BSCIC industrial area, fired multiple shots, and attacked him with sharp weapons before fleeing. Locals rescued Liakat Ali and admitted him to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, later transferring him to Chittagong Medical College due to his worsening condition. Police are investigating, but no arrests have been made so far. BNP leaders allege the attack was orchestrated by local criminal Abdul Khalek in retaliation for Liakat Ali’s vocal opposition to extortion in the area. A security guard was also injured when attackers severed his leg tendon. Local BNP members staged road blockades and protests, demanding immediate arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours.