The Government of Bangladesh has strongly condemned the Israeli detention of the Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a severe violation of international law and an example of using hunger as a weapon. Bangladesh demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained human rights and peace activists and urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, respect international law, and allow uninterrupted humanitarian access. Bangladesh expressed steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Israeli forces detained 23 Malaysians, including public figures, from the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the arrests, launching diplomatic talks with Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and planning outreach to the U.S. The mission, backed by Greta Thunberg and Susan Sarandon, aimed to challenge Gaza’s blockade. Protests in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia demanded the detainees’ release and humanitarian access to Gaza. Malaysia insists humanitarian aid must not be obstructed and vows continued global advocacy.

Venezuela’s defense minister said five U.S. warplanes were detected about 75 kilometers off its coast, calling the move a threat from Washington. The government accused the U.S. of reckless actions that undermine Caribbean peace and urged American officials to step back. The U.S. has deployed warships in the region, citing anti-drug operations, and claimed to have destroyed Venezuelan boats, killing several. President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of seeking regime change but signaled willingness to talk with U.S. envoy Richard Grenell.

DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem announced that October 7 will be observed as “Anti-Aggression Day,” honoring BUET student Abrar Fahad, who was killed in 2019 for opposing unequal Bangladesh-India deals and water aggression. Kayem said Abrar’s martyrdom sparked mass awakening against exploitation, domination, and fascist rule. He urged the interim government and universities to recognize the day officially. Kayem made the announcement after visiting Abrar’s grave in Kushtia, where he broke down in tears during prayers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5 or 6 for the annual bilateral summit. During his trip to New Delhi, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss key issues, including trade relations and U.S. tariffs on Indian goods linked to Russian oil purchases. The meeting is seen as a move to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Putin and Modi last met recently during the SCO summit in China.

Law enforcement agencies have reported that a defeated political faction, with alleged foreign support, planned to create unrest in Dhaka by gathering 25,000 people at Dhanmondi-32. The conspirators aimed to destabilize the interim government, exploit religious sensitivities, and carry out quick rallies across the city. Police intelligence and cyber units have foiled multiple attempts, making arrests and monitoring suspicious insiders. Authorities continue to implement preventive measures, maintain vigilance, and coordinate intelligence to prevent October unrest and protect public order.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed cautious optimism about U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, describing it as a “ray of light at the end of the tunnel.” Putin emphasized that Russia could support the plan under certain conditions, highlighting the need for clear agreements on prisoner releases, local authority powers, and security arrangements. He also stressed that any solution must reflect the views of Palestinians, regional countries, and Hamas, while ultimately transferring governance to the Palestinian administration.

Brigadier General Hossein Nejat, deputy commander of Iran’s Tharallah base, stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has enhanced its offensive capabilities more than tenfold compared to the 12-day conflict with Israel last June. Following the ‘True Promise–Two’ operation, IRGC units focused on readiness, identifying enemy defenses, and strengthening structural weaknesses. This improvement combines advanced weaponry, strategic planning, coordinated exercises, and unit collaboration. Nejat warned that any future Israeli misstep would face a much stronger and more effective Iranian response.

Dhaka University Central Student Union Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayeem visited the grave of Martyr Abrar Fahad in Kushtia, breaking down in tears. Abrar, killed by Chhatra League activists over a Facebook post about the Assam Accord and water disputes, is hailed as a symbol of national unity. Kayeem prayed for his soul and emphasized that Abrar’s courage against oppression inspired the July movement. He urged the interim government to uphold the ideals for which martyrs sacrificed their lives.

The United States government has entered its first shutdown in seven years after Congress failed to agree on a spending plan. The White House warned that over 700,000 federal employees could be furloughed within days, with “essential” staff forced to work without pay. Republicans and Democrats continue to trade blame over healthcare funding and budget priorities, while uncertainty grows over whether furloughed workers will receive back pay. Analysts say the crisis may hit harder than the 2018 shutdown.

In a statement on October 2, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Maulana Muhammad Imtiaz Alam warned that without legal recognition of the July Charter, vested groups may brand the uprising as a conspiracy. He said attempts are underway to erase the July movement from history. Alam stressed that martyrs and injured freedom fighters must not be discredited as traitors and criticized the interim government’s failure to provide proper medical care and rehabilitation for the wounded.

India and China will restart direct passenger flights in late October 2025, five years after services were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing tensions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the move as a major step toward normalizing bilateral ties. Discussions earlier this year included resuming flights and updating air service agreements. Designated airlines from both countries will operate under the winter schedule. Officials say the decision will boost people-to-people connectivity and help restore bilateral exchanges.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has directed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select an alternative election symbol by October 7, as their preferred “lotus” symbol is not included in the official electoral guidelines. The NCP initially applied for registration with a list of three preferred symbols: lotus, pen, and mobile phone. However, under the 2008 electoral conduct rules, the lotus cannot be allotted since it is not on the approved list of 115 reserved symbols. In response, NCP leaders accused the Commission of unconstitutional and discriminatory practices, alleging favoritism and bias in symbol allocation. The Commission insists NCP must choose from the 50 available unallocated symbols, which include items like ostrich, cupboard, football, sewing machine, and helicopter. Out of 143 applications for registration, only two parties, including NCP, met preliminary conditions.

French MEP Rima Hasan, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, declared she will not give up in the fight for Palestinian independence. Hasan called for worldwide protests against Israel and shared a video holding the Palestinian flag after her ship was attacked near Gaza. The flotilla, consisting of over 40 civilian vessels from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel claims links to Hamas but has provided no evidence. The fleet was scheduled to reach Gaza Thursday morning.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 38 entities and individuals for supplying defense equipment to Iran. Networks linked to Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group are accused of acquiring military technology domestically, while others operating across Iran, Hong Kong, and China supplied U.S.-made electronics to Shiraz Electronics Industries. Another network provided equipment for helicopters used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. All listed assets under U.S. jurisdiction will be blocked, with U.S. citizens and foreign banks restricted from significant transactions.