Georgia erupted in protests on Saturday as citizens expressed outrage over alleged fraud in last year’s parliamentary elections and the suspension of EU accession talks. Demonstrators in the capital, Tbilisi, attempted to enter the Presidential Palace, clashing with police, who used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowd and arrested many. The unrest comes after the ruling party, Georgian Dream, claimed victory in elections widely criticized by opposition parties for irregularities. Most opposition groups boycotted the local elections in protest, with prominent figures, including opera singer Pata Burdzhuladze, calling for the arrest of top ruling party leaders. The government has intensified crackdowns on opposition activists, independent media, and Western-leaning politicians, resulting in numerous detentions. Authorities also fined hundreds of protesters approximately $1,835 for participating in illegal activities like road blockades. Thousands marched with Georgian and EU flags demanding respect for citizens’ will and political accountability.

Awami League Advisory Council member and former Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed is in a critical state at Square Hospital in Dhaka, where he has been on life support for several days. His condition worsened on Saturday night when his blood pressure and pulse dropped significantly before stabilizing again. Family sources report that doctors have not issued any formal statement, though his heart remains functional. The veteran politician, aged 81, has long battled health issues, including paralysis on one side of his body following a stroke, and has relied on a wheelchair for years. Born in Bhola in 1943, Ahmed was a student leader during the 1969 mass uprising, serving as DUCSU vice president and convenor of the All-Party Student Action Council. His contribution to Bangladesh’s political landscape spans decades, and his current health condition has drawn concern from colleagues and supporters nationwide.

Pakistan has reportedly approached the United States with a proposal to build and operate a port along the Arabian Sea, signaling a potential shift in regional geopolitics. According to the Financial Times report published on October 3, advisers to Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, have initiated discussions with U.S. officials regarding the project. The plan involves U.S. investors constructing and managing a terminal in Pasni, a coastal town in Balochistan’s Gwadar district, neighboring Afghanistan and Iran. This move could grant Washington strategic access to one of the world’s most sensitive regions while enabling American firms to explore Pakistan’s rich mineral reserves. If realized, the project may influence both U.S.-China competition in the region and Pakistan’s economic alignment, as Pasni lies close to the Chinese-funded Gwadar port, a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Khelafat Majlis has announced a new series of nationwide programs demanding the immediate legal recognition and implementation of the July National Charter (2025) before holding the 13th National Parliamentary Election. At a press briefing in Dhaka’s Engineers Institution, Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader stated that the interim government must take responsibility for executing the charter and ensuring a fair election based on it. He criticized the delay in justice for the previous regime and highlighted the absence of an effective level playing field, administrative neutrality, and necessary political reforms. The party presented a six-point demand, including granting constitutional legitimacy to the July Charter through a referendum or presidential proclamation. The declared programs include mass communication from October 5–9, divisional rallies on October 10, submission of memoranda to deputy commissioners on October 12, and constituency-based campaigns from October 15–30. Khelafat Majlis emphasized that the interim government must remove uncertainty surrounding the Charter’s implementation.

A violent clash broke out in Dhaka’s Lalbagh area on Friday night following an argument between two teenagers over the popular mobile game “Free Fire.” The dispute, which began as a quarrel between Mamun and another boy, escalated into a physical fight involving their families. During the altercation in the Amoligola Bazar area, Shahid, a raw-material vendor and father of one of the boys, was severely beaten and injured. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 1:30 a.m. in critical condition. According to police sources, the incident stemmed from a family dispute triggered by the children’s gaming argument. Lalbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mostafa Kamal Khan confirmed that it appears to be a domestic conflict. Authorities advised the injured man’s family to file an official complaint with medical documents if they wish to proceed legally. Police have already been informed about the incident for further investigation and necessary action.

In Cumilla’s Titas upazila, Sohel Munshi, a joint convener of the upazila JASAS (a BNP cultural wing), has been accused of verbally abusing a head teacher while falsely identifying himself as a journalist. An audio recording of the 4-minute-15-second phone conversation between Sohel and Keshabpur Girls’ High School head teacher, Ali Gofran, went viral on Facebook. In the audio, Sohel introduces himself as “journalist Sohel Munshi” and uses obscene and insulting language after the teacher politely responds. The incident has sparked anger among local educators. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, president of the Titas Secondary Teachers’ Committee, condemned the language used and demanded legal action against Sohel. Meanwhile, Cumilla North District JASAS president Kamal Parvez Dalim said that Sohel had been previously warned and that this latest misconduct was “unpardonable.” The organization has pledged to take strict disciplinary measures soon, amid public calls for accountability and respect toward educators.

BNP’s central sports affairs secretary and Dhaka North convenor, Aminul Haque, accused certain political groups of attempting to delay the upcoming national election, scheduled for February, under various pretexts. Speaking at a free medical camp organized by Pallabi and Rupnagar BNP units, he said such attempts undermine democracy and citizens’ rights. Haque harshly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, likening its influence to smoking—harmful to religion. He claimed Jamaat exploits Islam for political gain, which threatens both faith and society. Citing a Jamaat leader’s recent controversial comment equating fasting and puja, Haque said such statements are unacceptable to the people of Bangladesh. Emphasizing BNP’s commitment to an inclusive, non-communal Bangladesh, he reaffirmed the party’s mission to ensure citizens’ welfare, education, health, and dignity. After the event, Haque joined a tree-planting program at the Urban Children’s Park in Bauniabad, accompanied by other BNP leaders from Dhaka North.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem has criticized the U.S.-proposed Gaza ceasefire plan, calling it “dangerous” and an Israeli political maneuver disguised as peace. Speaking at a memorial event in Lebanon on October 4, Qassem alleged that Israel aims to achieve through diplomacy what it failed to secure through military aggression, genocide, and blockade. He said the plan represents Israel’s broader “Greater Israel” project, which he claimed includes not only Gaza and the West Bank but also parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Qassem urged people across the region to resist this plan, warning it would eventually affect everyone. He emphasized that the final decision on the U.S. proposal rests with Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups, asserting their right to determine the appropriate response. Qassem’s remarks come amid growing tensions over international efforts to end the Gaza conflict and shape post-war governance.

In a candid interview for Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveller, Prince William shared his intention to bring meaningful reforms to the British monarchy when he becomes king. Speaking at Windsor Castle with actor Eugene Levy, the Prince of Wales said he wants to “change things for the better” so that his children “can be proud” of his legacy. While he did not specify the nature of the reforms, William emphasized that he welcomes change and finds it inspiring rather than intimidating. Reflecting on his upbringing with his brother Harry, he expressed a desire to leave behind outdated traditions. The BBC reported that royal insiders view this as his most open conversation yet. Acknowledging the challenges of the past year, William also stressed the need to question old customs to keep the monarchy relevant, asking, “Is this still the right thing to do in today’s world?”

Israel has sent 137 people detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla to Turkey, following the forcible interception of 443 activists in international waters. The detainees include citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Algeria, Mauritania, Malaysia, Bahrain, Morocco, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Turkey. Israeli commandos had earlier intercepted all ships of the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, detaining human rights activists on board, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Many countries have condemned Israel’s actions as “acts of terrorism.” The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of more than 40 civilian vessels, aims to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and involves nearly 500 activists from 46 countries, including elected representatives, lawyers, doctors, and journalists. The first convoy sailed from Barcelona on August 31, with additional vessels joining from Tunisia, Sicily, and later from the Greek island of Samos.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus highlighted the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in promoting peace and resolving global instability. On the occasion of the major Buddhist festival “Shubho Pravarana Purnima and Kathin Chivar Dana” on 5 October, he extended heartfelt greetings to Buddhists in Bangladesh and worldwide. He emphasized that Gautama Buddha dedicated his life to human welfare through non-violence, equality, and goodwill, aiming to build an ideal society grounded in peace and harmony. Professor Yunus also noted Bangladesh’s rich thousand-year-old Buddhist heritage, with ancient monasteries reflecting its historical significance. He praised the country’s tradition of communal harmony, where people of different religions and communities coexist peacefully. Highlighting post-July uprising aspirations, he expressed hope that efforts across religion, race, and caste will strengthen tolerance and enable the creation of a just, equitable, and humane society. He concluded by wishing the festival’s complete success.

The U.S. State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons report has placed Bangladesh in Tier 2, acknowledging the country’s substantial and sustainable progress in combating human trafficking. While Bangladesh does not yet fully meet the minimum standards, the report highlights significant government efforts, including enhanced victim protection, expanded frontline officer training, and formal adoption of a National Referral Mechanism. In 2025, authorities identified 1,462 trafficking victims, providing healthcare, legal aid, and shelter through government centers. Bangladesh has strengthened coordination among agencies like CID, PBI, and CTTC, and continues international cooperation with Interpol and neighboring countries. Initiatives also include pre-departure training for migrant workers, specialized courses for female domestic workers, and bilateral labor agreements with major destination countries. These reforms, awareness campaigns, and policy measures reflect the government’s growing commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect migrant workers, and ensure justice for trafficking victims.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s adviser and former lawmaker Mushfiqur Rahman has alleged that India does not want Bangladesh’s development or political stability. Speaking to journalists after a roadside rally in Brahmanbaria’s Kasba upazila, he said that without political stability, economic stability is also impossible. The rally was organized by the local BNP to press for the implementation of the 31-point agenda announced by the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Mushfiqur Rahman emphasized that Bangladeshis believe in sovereignty and do not want external interference in the country’s affairs. He urged that Bangladeshis and Indians should maintain mutual respect and friendship, warning against actions that could foster anti-India sentiment. The event was presided over by Brahmanbaria district BNP vice-president Md Elias and attended by senior BNP leaders including Engineer Nazmul Huda Khandakar, Abul Monsur Mission, and Khandakar Billal Hossain. Following the rally, leaflets highlighting the BNP’s 31-point reform proposals were distributed among the public.

Pakistan has welcomed Hamas’s positive reaction to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 20-point Gaza peace plan, describing it as a “positive step.” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized on X that an immediate ceasefire is essential to end Palestinian suffering, secure the release of hostages, and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid. He also demanded that Israel immediately stop its ongoing attacks. Dar clarified earlier that Trump’s plan differs from draft proposals submitted by Arab and Muslim nations during last month’s UN General Assembly. According to U.S. media outlet Axios, Israel and the United States made significant adjustments to the plan at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The revised proposal connects the withdrawal of Israeli forces to Hamas’s disarmament and permits Israel to remain in a buffer zone until all “terrorist threats” are eliminated. Pakistan’s response reflects its broader call for peace, humanitarian relief, and the protection of Palestinian rights amid the Gaza conflict.

The National Consensus Commission held a meeting on October 4 at its office in the National Parliament complex to review the final stage of preparations for the “July National Charter 2025.” According to an official press release, the commission members discussed comprehensive arrangements and finalized the key discussion points for tomorrow’s (October 5) rescheduled meeting with political parties. The meeting revisited the expert opinions and recommendations received earlier regarding the possible implementation methods of the July Charter. It also reassessed the views collected from various political parties to ensure a broad-based consensus. Among those present were Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz, members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, and Dr. Md. Ayub Mia. Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser involved in the consensus-building process, also attended the meeting. The discussion aimed to ensure a well-prepared and inclusive final phase before the Charter’s national presentation.