Russia’s nuclear envoy Mikhail Ulyanov has blamed Israel and the United States for complicating the ongoing Iran nuclear issue, ahead of the next IAEA Board of Governors meeting. He noted that, for the first time in a decade, discussions on Iran’s nuclear file will not be under the monitoring framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which recently lapsed. Ulyanov stated that the IAEA Director General will present only a report on Iran’s implementation of the Additional Safeguards Agreement, attributing this limited scope to aggressive U.S. and Israeli actions. The historic 2015 JCPOA had limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, but the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and subsequent European mechanisms failed to deliver promised economic benefits. Ulyanov described the current situation as a direct consequence of these aggressive policies, further complicating Iran’s nuclear issue.

The National Consensus Commission has expressed its inability to present the draft order for implementing the July Charter, according to National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. Following a meeting on Saturday, Akhtar said the commission acknowledged it was preparing the order but could not yet share its contents. He welcomed the initiative as progress but voiced concern that the July Charter might become another symbolic document like the July Declaration if political pressure influenced the process. The NCP urged the commission to ensure transparency and inclusivity by sharing the draft before finalization. Akhtar emphasized that the NCP has been actively engaged in the national consensus process, striving to keep reform discussions within the mainstream political framework. He reiterated the party’s demand for a strong legal foundation for the July Charter to prevent it from turning into a hollow or deceptive political gesture.

The Trump administration has deployed the United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean Sea as part of its expanding campaign against drug cartels. According to the Pentagon, the move strengthens U.S. military presence and deterrence capabilities in the Western Hemisphere. The supercarrier, accompanied by stealth fighters, surveillance planes, and several warships, signals a potential escalation in military operations near Venezuela. President Donald Trump has hinted that the next phase of his campaign may involve strikes on land-based targets, though he has not specified any countries or locations. Pentagon officials say the deployment will enhance U.S. ability to detect and disrupt illicit activities threatening national security. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the move, accusing Washington of creating a “war-like situation.” Analysts suggest the deployment reflects growing U.S. pressure on Venezuela and its regional allies amid tightening anti-narcotics operations.

Iran, China, and Russia have jointly sent a letter to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, declaring that all provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 have expired as of October 18. The letter, announced by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, also condemns the UK, France, and Germany’s attempt to trigger the snapback mechanism as illegal. According to Gharibabadi, the letter emphasizes that the IAEA’s verification and monitoring reports related to Iran, established under Resolution 2231 and the 2015 Board of Governors’ decision, should now cease. He noted that the relevant resolution required the issue to remain on the IAEA’s agenda for a maximum of 10 years or until a final comprehensive report was issued — whichever came first. Thus, from October 18, the matter should be automatically removed from the agency’s agenda, requiring no further action.

Catherine Connolly, a prominent left-wing politician, has won Ireland’s presidential election in a landslide, securing 63% of the vote against her right-wing rival Heather Humphreys, who received 29.5%. The official results were declared on Saturday evening after votes from all 43 constituencies were counted. In her victory speech, Connolly vowed to be a president who listens, reflects, and speaks when necessary, calling for unity in building “a new republic that values everyone.” Humphreys graciously conceded, expressing confidence that Connolly would represent all citizens. The 68-year-old’s campaign strongly resonated with young voters, particularly for her outspoken stance on social justice and her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Backed by a coalition of left-wing opposition parties, Connolly’s triumph marks a significant political shift in Ireland, signaling growing support for progressive and inclusive leadership.

Three people, including a BNP activist, were injured in an alleged attack led by a local Jubo League leader in Gournadi, Barishal, following a dispute over a theft accusation. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Friday inside and outside the Nathai Mohammadia Jame Mosque. The injured are BNP activist Syed Abdul Alim (62), his wife Mrs. Lia (51), and their son Syed Tawsin Islam (15). According to the victims, the assault was led by Syed Mehedi Sulav, a Union Parishad member and joint secretary of the Gournadi Upazila Jubo League, after a quarrel involving the cutting of a tree. Mrs. Lia claimed Sulav and his associates attacked her husband, and when she and her son tried to intervene, they too were beaten. Police confirmed receiving a written complaint and said legal action would follow pending investigation. Sulav denied the allegations, claiming self-defense.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering launching military strikes against suspected cocaine production sites and trafficking routes inside Venezuela, according to three senior American officials quoted by CNN. The move is part of Washington’s broader anti-narcotics strategy, though no final decision has been made. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already ordered the deployment of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group to the Caribbean, alongside thousands of troops, as tensions rise in the region. Intelligence sources confirm the CIA has been granted authority to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. While the Trump administration has suspended direct diplomatic talks with President Nicolás Maduro, officials insist that diplomatic solutions remain on the table. Some advisers view potential strikes as a way to weaken Maduro’s hold on power. However, large-scale military action would likely require consultation with Congress, amid growing international concern about possible escalation in Latin America.

A youth front activist, Md. Alamgir (55), was shot dead by terrorists in Raozan, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM near Kaykobbad Ahmad Chowdhury Jame Mosque in Charabattola area under Raozan Municipality’s Ward No. 9. Alamgir, a follower of former MP and BNP leader Golam Akbar Khondker, was returning home after attending a family meeting on a land dispute when a group of armed men on motorcycles opened fire on him. He died on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Another man, Md. Riaz (30), was seriously injured and admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Alamgir’s family accused known local criminals of the killing but did not immediately file a case. Police suspect the attack stemmed from a previous enmity and have launched an investigation to arrest the culprits.

A four-nation expert team comprising specialists from the United Kingdom, Australia, China, and Turkey will assist Bangladesh in investigating the recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo village. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the team will help determine whether any negligence or mismanagement was involved. He praised the Fire Service for their timely response, noting that airport fire units reached the scene within four minutes, followed by other units within 20 minutes. The blaze spread rapidly because the area contained mostly food products. Discussions are ongoing to activate electronic gates at the airport, and measures will be taken to ease passport-related issues for expatriate workers. Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq and other officials were also present during the inspection.

Israel is witnessing an unprecedented wave of emigration, described as a “tsunami” by Knesset member Gilad Kariv, amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the recent West Bank settlement bill. A Knesset report shows that from early 2022 to mid-2024, over 125,000 Israeli settlers have permanently left the country, marking the largest human resource loss in Israel’s modern history. Analysts warn that Israel’s genocidal operations in Gaza, which killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians, have likely fueled this surge. Annual emigration numbers, previously averaging around 40,500, spiked to 59,400 in 2022 and 82,800 in 2023. The trend appears to continue into 2025, reflecting growing insecurity and disillusionment among citizens. Despite a fragile ceasefire, ongoing attacks on civilians have cast uncertainty over future peace prospects in the region.

Palestinian political groups, including Gaza’s ruling Hamas, have agreed to transfer administrative control of the Gaza Strip to a temporary independent technocratic committee. The decision, announced after a Cairo meeting, aims to manage basic services and livelihoods with the support of Arab and international institutions. The factions also pledged to work together to form a unified stance against challenges facing Palestinians and called for convening all parties to revive the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of the people. Hamas, not part of the PLO, met with rival Fatah representatives to discuss the second phase of a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan. Egypt’s intelligence chief also held talks with other major Palestinian groups, including Islamic Jihad and the Democratic and Popular Fronts for the Liberation of Palestine.

The government has launched a major reform in the health sector, merging seven existing institutions—including the Directorate General of Health Services, Directorate of Health Education, and Directorate of Family Planning—into three directorates. The restructured bodies will be the Directorate of Medical Services, overseeing all hospitals; the Directorate of Primary Health Care and Public Health, focusing on preventive and primary care; and the Directorate of Health Education and Research, managing medical, dental, and nursing education. The Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) will replace the current Directorate of Drug Administration to regulate medicines and cosmetics. A Health Technology Assessment Unit will evaluate medical products and technology for better decision-making. Officials say the reforms aim to provide integrated services at a single point, improve efficiency, and strengthen the overall healthcare system, with phased implementation expected within 30 to 45 days.

The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) election, originally scheduled for November 15, has been unexpectedly postponed, triggering strong reactions from candidates across multiple panels. Election Committee Chairman Hasan Hafiz announced the postponement on Thursday night via a notice on the DUJ board, citing “unavoidable reasons.” Candidates expressed shock and opposition, arguing that no valid constitutional provision allows cancellation without specific circumstances. More than 100 candidates have already purchased and submitted nominations and are actively campaigning. Candidates, including Didarul Alam, DM Amirul Islam Omar, and Israfil Farazi, demanded a clear explanation from the Election Commission and warned that the election must be held on November 15. They also threatened strict protests and legal action if the decision is not reversed by October 25. Several candidates accused political influence in panel-based elections and called for reforms to prevent party control over the journalists’ body.

Hajj registration in Bangladesh is experiencing its worst situation in recent years, with only 73,416 pilgrims registering in both government and private systems, fulfilling just 57% of the total quota of 127,198. Despite extending the registration period, many devout Muslims could not participate due to high airfare, elevated registration fees, and financial constraints. Some officials in the Ministry of Religious Affairs have been accused of creating controversies that disrupted government-run Hajj arrangements. Recent trends show a growing preference for Umrah, with some believing it replaces Hajj, further reducing registration. Government preliminary registration recorded only 4,102 pilgrims, while private agencies accounted for 69,314. Hajj packages remain expensive, with costs surpassing normal airfare, and advance airfare collection discouraged many from signing up. The government has announced that registration will not be extended, leaving 53,782 slots unfilled for next year’s Hajj scheduled on 26 May.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has urged all democratic forces to remain united to prevent the “return of fascism” and protect Bangladesh’s democracy, independence, and sovereignty. Speaking at an event marking the 21st anniversary of the Daily Naya Diganta at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday, Ahmed emphasized that ideological differences must not divide the nation when its core interests are at stake. “If our disunity leads to the return of fascism, the nation will never forgive us,” he warned. He further stated that every citizen must fulfill the pledge made with the blood of the martyrs and “close all doors to the fascist Awami League’s comeback.” Reflecting on his exile and imprisonment, Ahmed said he never deviated from the path of struggle. He also recalled his time in a prison hospital cell with journalist Mahmudur Rahman and urged youth to uphold democratic ideals for future generations.