Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced that 13 Ansar members will be stationed at each polling center during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Four of them will carry firearms, while one armed member will be specifically assigned to protect the presiding officer. Speaking at a vehicle handover ceremony organized by the Bangladesh Ansar Welfare Trust in Khilgaon, Dhaka, he emphasized that this will be the largest deployment of Ansar personnel in any national election. The adviser noted that Ansar members will serve for nine days during the election period to ensure security and order. Praising their contribution, he said Ansar and VDP play a vital role in maintaining national peace and stability. Responding to a question about weapons looted during the July uprising, he said recovery operations are ongoing and intensifying as the election draws closer.

The Ministry of Food has refuted recent claims in a national daily suggesting that Bangladesh is buying U.S. wheat at inflated prices due to government contracts. The ministry emphasized that wheat imports are conducted under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between Bangladesh and the United States, ensuring full transparency and adherence to international standards. In the first phase, 220,000 metric tons of wheat were imported at $302.75 per ton, followed by the second phase at $308 per ton. Comparisons made with Russian wheat prices in the media were misleading, as U.S. wheat costs include transportation, insurance, and port handling, whereas Russian prices reflect only delivery to the port. U.S. wheat is also nutritionally superior, containing 13.5% protein compared to Russia’s 11%. Considering quality, protein content, and transport costs, the slightly higher price is reasonable. The ministry affirmed that the entire import process remains competitive and fully government-approved.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has officially named Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh as his temporary successor should he be unable to carry out his duties. The announcement, published by the official WAFA news agency, clarifies that Al-Sheikh will oversee the organization of elections according to Palestinian law and hand over power to the elected government. Abbas’s decision effectively cancels Decree No. 1 of the Palestinian constitution, which previously designated the chairman or speaker of the Palestinian National Council as interim president in such cases. Abbas emphasized that the move aims to protect the political system, national security, and constitutional institutions of Palestine. Having led Palestine for over 20 years, Abbas first assumed office in January 2005 after the passing of Yasser Arafat in 2004.

Cyclone ‘Motha’, developing in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to cross the coast of Andhra Pradesh, India, between Tuesday evening and night. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued warnings and updated signals for coastal ports including Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra, lowering distant signal 1 and displaying distant warning signal 2. Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal have been advised to navigate cautiously near the coast until further notice. While the cyclone is unlikely to bring strong winds to Bangladesh, light to moderate rainfall is expected across the country for up to five days starting Monday evening. Meteorologists assure that the country will largely remain safe from storm surges and severe wind impacts, though coastal monitoring will continue.

Rajshahi University’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Abdullah Al Mamun has drawn intense criticism following a controversial Facebook post about hijab and personal freedom. On October 27, he shared a photo of newly elected female hall council members wearing hijab and wrote, “I endorse this personal freedom. Tomorrow I’ll go to class wearing three-quarters and carrying a bottle of wine. Wine isn’t a drug! I even have a license to drink! Shibir and journalists, you’re welcome to come!” The post, perceived as mocking religious attire, was deleted soon after, but screenshots quickly went viral. Students gathered at Zoha Square that night, protesting and demanding disciplinary action. The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) later submitted a five-point memorandum to the vice-chancellor. On October 28, Professor Mamun apologized publicly, saying the post was written in frustration and not meant to insult anyone. Campus tensions and debates continue.

The National Consensus Commission is set to formally submit its recommendations to the government today (October 28) regarding the implementation of the July National Charter. The final meeting of the commission took place on Monday at the chief adviser’s residence, chaired by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Commission Vice-Chair Ali Riaz, six members, and Special Assistant Monir Haidar were present. Members urged the government to also act on other reform commissions’ reports. Dr. Yunus emphasized the preservation of all documents, recordings, and visuals related to the commission’s work. The National July Charter, signed on October 17 by 24 political parties including the BNP-Jamaat alliance, aims to build a permanent culture of accountability and good governance. Gano Forum joined later, while NCP and some left parties are yet to sign. The commission’s recommendations are based on extensive consultations with political leaders, legal experts, and civil society representatives.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved filing a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s press secretary and journalist Nayeemul Islam Khan and his wife Nasima Khan Monty for failing to submit their wealth statements within the required deadline. ACC spokesperson and Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed the decision on Tuesday, October 28. Under Section 26(2) of the ACC Act, legal proceedings have been authorized, and the case may be filed today. Earlier, on January 7, the ACC began investigating alleged corruption and illegal assets belonging to Khan and his family. Financial intelligence reports revealed that the family maintained 163 bank accounts with transactions totaling over Tk 386 crore, of which Tk 379.52 crore was withdrawn. The report also found that Khan’s companies held 46 additional accounts involving Tk 127.64 crore. Khan went into hiding after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 will today (Tuesday, October 28) hear defense arguments regarding the formation of formal charges against former Information Minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu, Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, and three others in two separate cases of crimes against humanity. The charges relate to killings of six people in Kushtia during the July-August Movement. The hearing will be conducted by a three-member bench headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. On Monday, the prosecution completed its presentation of three specific allegations—incitement, conspiracy, and murder—and sought to proceed with trial. The tribunal appointed state defense lawyers for absconding accused. Inu faces eight charges, while Hanif and others are accused in related cases. Inu was arrested in 2024 and remains in custody. The proceedings mark a major step in Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to try crimes against humanity committed during periods of political unrest.

Teachers from across Bangladesh continued their sit-in protests in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday (August 27), pressing for two major demands — MPO (Monthly Pay Order) inclusion for disabled schools and nationalization of Ebtedayee madrasas. Representatives of teachers from schools for students with disabilities said they have been living in dire conditions without regular salaries or allowances, despite the Ministry of Social Welfare announcing a list of nearly two thousand institutions eligible for MPO inclusion. They declared that they would not end their protest until their demands are met. Meanwhile, Ebtedayee madrasa teachers, also staging a continuous demonstration at the same venue, attempted to march toward the Chief Adviser’s Office but were stopped by police at Bailey Road. Following assurances from the Education Ministry’s secretary, they returned to the Press Club and resumed their peaceful sit-in.

Normal trade operations have resumed at the Benapole land port after the customs authority withdrew its temporary restriction that limited import and export activities beyond 6 PM. The decision came following strong objections from traders and reports of commercial stagnation along the Bangladesh–India border. Last week’s unannounced directive by the Customs Commissioner had caused severe traffic congestion at the border, disrupting the flow of perishable goods and reducing the number of trucks entering the port from 400–450 to only 160–180 daily. Business leaders from both countries expressed relief at the withdrawal, saying the earlier decision had increased costs, delayed shipments, and strained cross-border trade relations. Benapole Port officials confirmed that operations are returning to normal, and coordination with customs and related agencies is ongoing to ensure smooth trade.

At a press conference held at Uttara’s Mugdha Mancha on Monday, local students and Islamic scholars strongly protested against labeling a recent rally demanding a ban on ISKCON as a “terrorist activity.” They denounced the subsequent filing of an “anti-terrorism” case against 20–25 unidentified individuals, terming it a fascist and conspiratorial move aimed at harassing peaceful demonstrators. The speakers claimed that the October 24 rally, held after Jumma prayers under the banner of general students, was entirely peaceful and attended by senior police officials. They alleged that a brief incident involving a dummy rifle was misused to distort facts on social media and justify the case. The protesters issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the withdrawal of the “false case,” the exposure of ISKCON-affiliated officials within the administration, and punishment for those spreading misleading information. Failure to meet the demands, they warned, would lead to tougher programs.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has presented 15 proposals to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) demanding reforms to ensure transparency, coordination, and timely recruitment in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations. A three-member NCP delegation met the PSC chairman and emphasized addressing long-standing discrimination and inefficiency within the public administration system. The proposals call for amending non-cadre rules, expediting the publication of pending BCS results, and completing each BCS cycle within a calendar year. Other recommendations include publishing exam marks for transparency, reducing police verification delays, and establishing a cluster-based exam system. NCP leaders accused bureaucrats of exploiting the system for personal gain and urged the ministry to prioritize job seekers’ welfare. They warned that continued inefficiency could fuel youth resentment.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will not be granted the ‘Shapla’ (water lily) symbol in the upcoming elections, as it is not listed in the current schedule of approved election symbols. Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that the EC will issue a new public notice determining an alternative symbol at its discretion. He confirmed that the commission’s stance on the matter remains unchanged and that no new proposals have been received regarding the Shapla issue. Meanwhile, NCP’s northern regional chief organizer, Sarjis Alam, has warned that the party may take to the streets if denied the Shapla symbol. He claimed that legal experts see no obstacle to granting the emblem and criticized the EC’s decision as a threat to electoral independence. Alam added that if protests begin, NCP will also demand the reformation of the current Election Commission.

After a gap of two decades, Bangladesh and Pakistan held the long-awaited Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting on Monday, October 27, at the NEC Conference Room in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, while Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Parvez Malik headed the Pakistani side. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade volume, and promoting cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, information technology, food processing, aviation, and maritime transport. Both sides emphasized the revival of SAARC as part of broader regional cooperation. A key outcome was the signing of an agreement between BSTI and Pakistan’s PHA, allowing mutual recognition of halal certifications, which is expected to boost exports of halal products. Pakistan also expressed keen interest in importing Bangladesh’s famous jute products. The leaders expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration will benefit both nations economically and strategically.

The interim government has clarified that ongoing reform and policy formulation initiatives will continue beyond November, refuting earlier remarks made by Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam. In a statement released on Monday, October 27, the government explained that Mahfuz’s comments during the “Meet the Reporters” event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday caused some confusion in the media. Contrary to Mahfuz’s claim that the reform and policy work must be completed by November, the official statement affirmed that reform activities are in full swing and will remain active. The chief adviser’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, shared the statement on his verified Facebook page. The clarification aims to reaffirm the government’s commitment to continued reforms, even as the advisory council’s activities may slow down closer to the election period.