Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that the Chief Adviser will soon make a final decision on the proposed referendum as intense disagreement persists among political parties. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday (October 30), he described the ongoing discord as disappointing, especially after 270 days of dialogue among parties. Nazrul noted that the initial disputes were about the agenda, but now divisions over the referendum have intensified tensions. He revealed that the issue was discussed in the Advisory Council meeting. The law adviser also warned that if any political party tries to impose its stance unilaterally on the government, it would undermine the spirit of July’s unity. He reaffirmed that the national election will be held in the first half of February and emphasized that maintaining a peaceful environment is a shared responsibility of both the government and political parties.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has asserted that the current interim government lacks the constitutional authority to give legal status to the “July Charter.” Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (October 30) at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Fakhrul said that any executive order must be signed by the President, and therefore the interim administration cannot provide legal legitimacy to such a document.

He described the year-long activities of the Reform Commission and the National Consensus Commission as meaningless, terming them a waste of time and an act of deception against the nation. Fakhrul alleged that the commission’s proposals and recommendations are one-sided and being imposed on the people without proper political consensus. He also claimed that some agreed-upon clauses were secretly altered.

The BNP leader further criticized the clause stating that the commission’s recommendations would automatically become part of the constitution within 270 days, calling it undemocratic. Senior BNP leaders, including Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Maj (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed, were present at the press conference.

The Ministry of Social Welfare has launched a technology-driven initiative to update the list of senior citizens receiving allowances under its social safety programs, describing it as a milestone for the caretaker government. Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid emphasized that for the first time, an accurate and transparent database will identify genuine beneficiaries through verification, biometric registration, and the Proxy Means Test (PMT) score. The project, currently piloted in eight upazilas including Mehendiganj, Shyamnagar, Tahirpur, Gouripur, Taraganj, Niamatpur, Ramgarh, and Kapasia, aims to eliminate irregularities and ensure that only eligible elderly citizens receive the allowances. The exercise will gradually expand nationwide, allowing the government to strengthen administrative capacity, maintain financial transparency, and provide timely social safety benefits to millions of senior citizens. Officials, beneficiaries, and local administrators participated in discussions via Zoom.

The Parents’ Unity Forum has called on the government to introduce a fully lottery-based admission system for all classes in private educational institutions, especially at the school level, for the 2026 academic year. In a joint statement, the organization’s president, valiant freedom fighter Md. Ziaul Kabir Dulu, and general secretary Md. Selim Mia said that implementing lottery-based admissions would make the process transparent, accountable, and free from irregularities, discrimination, and corruption. They emphasized that it would also protect young students from the stress and financial burden of admission coaching. The leaders warned that reinstating admission tests would revive the coaching business and increase pressure on parents. They further demanded the cancellation of all quotas, including those under the Education Ministry, to ensure fairness and remove controversy from the admission process. The Forum also urged authorities not to impose excessive admission fees on students.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has announced that individuals involved in extortion, looting, harassment of ordinary citizens, or those affiliated with fascist and terrorist groups will not be allowed to join the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking as the chief guest at the Narsingdi District BNP’s membership drive program held on Wednesday (October 29) at the Heritage Resort Auditorium in Madhabdi, Rizvi emphasized the need to transform the BNP into a well-organized and ideology-driven political force representing all segments of society.

He stated that teachers, professionals, rickshaw-pullers, small traders, and common citizens should join BNP to build it as a true party of the people. Rizvi reaffirmed that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, the BNP would continue to move forward despite conspiracies to divide it.

The event was presided over by Narsingdi District BNP President and Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, with General Secretary Manjur Elahi conducting the session. Hundreds of leaders and activists from various levels attended. Leaders at the program stressed that the ongoing membership campaign will strengthen the party at the grassroots and that the people's participation will be BNP’s greatest strength.

Bangladesh’s National Consensus Commission has announced a detailed 315-day timeline for forming a bicameral legislature, introducing an upper house based on proportional representation (PR). According to the commission’s recommendations, elected parliament members must amend the constitution within 270 days of the first session to incorporate the July Charter reforms. If they fail to do so, the proposed provisions will automatically become part of the constitution. Within 45 days thereafter, a 100-member upper house will be established under the PR system.

At a press briefing held on October 28 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, commission vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz explained the three-phase implementation plan. The first phase involves immediate government actions through ordinances; the second covers changes achievable via administrative orders; and the third outlines constitutional reforms requiring parliamentary and public approval. The commission also advised the government to hold a referendum seeking citizens’ consent on 48 constitutional issues included in the July Charter 2025. Once approved, the 13th Parliament will function simultaneously as the National Assembly and the Constitution Reform Council for 270 days to execute necessary legal amendments.

A violent clash erupted last Monday between students of Daffodil International University (DIU) and City University in Savar over a trivial incident, leading to arson, vandalism, and looting. According to DIU authorities, City University students allegedly detained and brutally tortured several Daffodil students.

At a press conference held on Tuesday at DIU’s Smart City Hall, Vice-Chancellor Professor Aminul Islam strongly condemned the violence and announced a six-member investigation committee that will submit a report within seven working days. He demanded immediate justice for the victims and punishment for those responsible.

The clash reportedly began after a minor altercation between two students near Bachelor’s Paradise in Khagan, Savar. The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in Daffodil students attacking City University’s campus later that night, vandalizing multiple offices and setting at least ten vehicles ablaze. The rampage continued until early morning, injuring more than 200 people.

While the area remains under tight police surveillance, residents expressed deep concern about the violence. City University has remained eerily quiet since declaring a four-day closure. Although City University has not released an official statement, it has reportedly demanded Tk 25 crore in damages from Daffodil University.

A Union Volunteer Party leader, Masud Sheikh (46), died following a violent attack in Kalia upazila of Narail. Masud, serving as the Member Secretary of Babra-Hachla Union’s Volunteer Party, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning (October 28) while undergoing treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital. The assault occurred on Monday night (October 27) in Shukta village, after a dispute erupted during a local Ha-du-du (Kabaddi) game. Despite an initial settlement by influential locals, Masud was later ambushed and beaten with local weapons and hammers by rival group members while returning home. His brother alleged that the attack was carried out under the leadership of Sujon Khan (18) because Masud had opposed local drug dealings. Police have deployed additional forces to maintain order, and an investigation is underway. The body has been sent for autopsy at Khulna Medical College morgue.

What began as an act of frustration turned into a life-changing opportunity for Kishoreganj’s young autorickshaw driver, Rabbi. Earlier this month, he rented a microphone for 500 taka and roamed around his neighborhood shouting insults after repeated failures to secure a bank loan for his trip to Saudi Arabia. His video quickly went viral on social media, sparking laughter, debate, and eventually compassion. Following widespread media coverage, the Probashi Kallyan Bank contacted Rabbi and approved a loan of 200,000 taka. With the funds in hand, he is now set to fly to Saudi Arabia on October 30 to start a new job. Grateful for the unexpected turn of events, Rabbi apologized for his earlier actions and asked for everyone’s prayers. The bank confirmed the loan and encouraged other aspiring migrant workers facing financial struggles to seek official assistance.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has suspended Md. Reshad Khalifa, president of Ward No. 9 under the Chhotobaishdia Union BNP in Rangabali upazila, Patuakhali. The decision came after allegations surfaced that he ordered the forced shaving of five young men’s heads, including a student, during an arbitration session. A press release issued Monday night by the Union BNP stated that Reshad Khalifa’s position and all organizational activities have been suspended for violating party discipline and engaging in unethical activities against party ideals. The statement was signed by Union BNP President Md. Zakir Hossain Nowab Hawlader and General Secretary Md. Tariful Islam Tarek. Following the incident, which gained media attention through a report in Jugantor, the upazila administration formed a three-member inquiry committee led by the UNO Rajib Das Purkaystha. Locals have welcomed both administrative and party action, hoping for fair investigation and justice.

Police in Laksam have arrested three members of a teenage gang accused of creating panic among locals while roaming the streets with locally made weapons, allegedly preparing for robbery and theft. The arrests were made on Tuesday afternoon in front of the Laksam Upazila Parishad gate. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Naznin Sultana of Laksam Police Station confirmed the matter in the evening.

The detainees were identified as Kamrul Hasan Fahim (17), son of late Ershad Mia of Fatehpur area; Minhajul Abedin Naim (15), son of Abul Kalam of Dhamaicha area; and Ziadul Islam Hridoy (18), son of Sahidul Islam of Uttarkul area—all residents of Laksam Municipality.

According to OC Naznin Sultana, locals became suspicious when they noticed several teenagers loitering near shops in front of the Upazila Parishad. Upon confronting them, the locals discovered the trio carrying sharp, locally made weapons. They were detained by the public and later handed over to the police.

Police have initiated legal proceedings against the arrested individuals. The incident has heightened concerns over the growing presence of teenage gangs and their involvement in criminal activities in Laksam and surrounding areas.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain has stated that the government has taken legal steps to request the return of Sheikh Hasina following court directives, and the matter now awaits India’s response. Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28 October, he criticized Bangladeshi journalists who visited India, saying that when India’s Foreign Secretary emphasized the need for an inclusive and transparent election, no journalists asked critical questions regarding the last 15 years or the previous election formula. Hossain expressed surprise that senior and experienced journalists missed the opportunity to raise relevant issues. He also commented on the appointment of the new UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, assuring that no candidate who could create controversy or problems would be appointed.

Dhaka Special Tribunal-2 has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to Ismail Hossain Chowdhury Samrat, widely known as the “Casino King” and former president of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo League, in an arms-related case. The verdict was announced on Tuesday, 28 October, by Judge Md. Ibrahim Mia. Samrat remains absconding, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued. He was originally arrested on 6 October 2019 in Chauddagram, Comilla, by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), following which a raid at his Kakrail office uncovered large quantities of foreign liquor, pistols, and skins of rare wildlife. Earlier, he received a six-month sentence for possession of wildlife skins. The formal case was filed on 7 October 2019, and after investigation, a charge sheet was submitted in November 2020. The trial included testimony from 10 of 14 witnesses, with arguments concluded on 7 October 2025.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Md. Moazzem Hossain, APS to Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and Tuhin Farabi, PO to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, over serious corruption allegations, including bribery, favoritism in contracts, and commission in procurement. The ACC’s intelligence unit found preliminary evidence, including irregular bank transactions, yet public investigation remains stalled more than seven months after the inquiry began. Investigators cite influence from powerful quarters and fear of repercussions as reasons for the delay. Both officials were removed from their posts earlier this year. Experts and activists have criticized the ACC’s slow response, noting a pattern of selective enforcement that targets opposition figures while high-profile individuals aligned with past governments face little action. Meanwhile, cases against former ministers and MPs have already progressed.

Pakistan is reportedly considering sending troops to Gaza as part of the proposed International Stability Force (ISF), a multinational peacekeeping mission backed by the United States to ensure stability in the war-torn region. According to Islamabad officials, talks between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership are in advanced stages, and a formal announcement could come soon. The ISF, expected to comprise soldiers from Muslim-majority countries, aims to enforce a fragile ceasefire, disarm Hamas, secure Gaza’s borders, and assist in humanitarian relief under an interim Palestinian authority. The U.S. has denied plans to deploy its own troops but is engaging with Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan for contributions. Pakistani officials cite moral and diplomatic obligations as reasons for joining the mission, while Israel has opposed Turkish participation in the force.