The United States Treasury Department has announced sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his wife, and his son, accusing the administration of supporting drug traffickers. According to the statement, cocaine production in Colombia has surged since Petro took office, leading to an influx of the drug into the United States. Treasury officials warned that instead of combating drug networks, the Colombian leadership is allegedly enabling them, prompting Washington to take strong punitive action. In response, President Petro denied the accusations, calling them false and claiming that cocaine production has actually decreased under his government. He emphasized that Colombia has seized record amounts of cocaine during his administration and concluded with a defiant slogan used by leftist movements in Latin America: “We will not take a single step back and will never kneel.”

The government is preparing to implement a new pay scale for its employees within the tenure of the current interim administration, without waiting for the next political government. The Finance Division acknowledges the additional financial burden but believes higher salaries will boost revenue through income tax and increased housing rent collections. The minimum salary is expected to rise from BDT 8,250 to over BDT 16,000, bringing more employees under the tax net. The Pay Commission is actively reviewing public and employee feedback to finalize recommendations. Officials note that competitive salaries are essential to attract skilled personnel, maintain professional efficiency, and ensure good governance, especially as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the least developed country category in 2026. Budget allocation for the revised pay scale will be included in the fiscal year 2025-26 revised budget.

Bangladesh has secured the second position among countries successfully exporting value-added products to the U.S., trailing Cambodia and outpacing Vietnam, according to the latest IMF report. Cambodia leads with a 21% growth in value-added exports, while Bangladesh recorded a 20% increase, primarily driven by ready-made garments, leather goods, and handicrafts. The IMF highlights that Asian countries heavily depend on markets in Europe and the U.S. for foreign currency through exports and remittances. Strengthening value addition in products enables higher export opportunities, fostering competition among exporters. While Sri Lanka maintained steady exports, other nations saw a decline. Countries like Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Thailand lagged in boosting value-added export growth. The report also kept Bangladesh’s GDP growth forecast at 4.9% for the current fiscal year.

Although the construction of a 250-bed modern hospital in Bandarban was completed six years ago, it has not yet been inaugurated due to administrative delays and the absence of staff recruitment. The old 100-bed hospital, established in 2005, now struggles to accommodate the growing number of patients from both urban and remote hill areas. Many patients are forced to lie on the floor due to a severe shortage of beds. The new facility—built at a cost of Tk 36 crore—includes advanced medical infrastructure such as ICU, CCU, isolation wards, and surgical units. However, without approval and manpower, it remains unused, depriving thousands of residents of better healthcare. Locals believe that opening the hospital would significantly reduce patient suffering and improve medical services. The civil surgeon has confirmed that the infrastructure is ready and the hospital will open soon after administrative approval.

Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Adviser on Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, has called for an ordinance to prevent controversy over the neutrality of interim government advisers. Political parties recently raised concerns about the impartiality of some advisers, including Fawzul himself. In a Facebook post on October 24, he shared that questions regarding advisers’ neutrality emerged during a meeting between the Chief Adviser and representatives of three political parties. Fawzul clarified that he has always made decisions without bias and has never allowed personal preferences to influence his work. To resolve the issue, he proposed that the ordinance explicitly bar the Chief Adviser, advisers, special assistants, and all contract-based interim government officials from taking any profitable positions in the next elected government, regardless of the ruling party. He added that this rule would not apply to those resigning before the election schedule is announced.

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) has fully prepared for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, deploying around 600,000 members as the first line of defense at polling centers. The force will work closely with other law enforcement agencies to maintain security and ensure public confidence. For the first time, a digital monitoring system will track members’ performance, location, and conduct in real time using their National ID, QR code, and service records. Extensive training, including leadership, advanced, and youth leadership programs, has been conducted, with refresher courses planned just before the elections. Recruitment policies have been updated to include younger members aged 18–25, with women constituting nearly 50% of the force. Both armed and unarmed Ansar members will receive new uniforms, jackets, and security equipment. The force will operate on a system-based model, ensuring accountability and professionalism.

The interim government is considering advanced surveillance measures for the upcoming national parliamentary elections, including the use of drones, installation of CCTV cameras at polling centers, and equipping police officers with body cameras. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the plans during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He said legal aspects are under review to ensure the measures comply with regulations. The proposals were discussed earlier in the day during an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In another announcement, the government decided to open a new Bangladeshi consulate in Detroit, Michigan, to expand diplomatic and consular services. The Chief Adviser directed that all operations be managed online, ensuring full digital capability from the consulate’s inception.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially announced the schedule for the 2025-26 academic year cluster admission tests. The examinations will begin on March 27, 2025, with the ‘C’ Unit test, followed by the ‘B’ Unit on April 3 and the ‘A’ Unit on April 10, allowing a one-week interval between each test. The meeting deciding the schedule was held on Thursday afternoon in the UGC conference room at Agargaon, Dhaka. Professor Dr. Tanzim Uddin Khan, UGC member in charge of public universities, delivered the welcome speech, while Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam and vice-chancellors of the cluster universities attended the meeting. The date for opening applications has not yet been announced and will be finalized in a subsequent meeting. Students across the country are now preparing to apply and sit for these highly competitive admission tests.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has set November 13 as the date for announcing the verdict in a war crimes case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused. The charges stem from alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 movement. The three-member bench, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, confirmed the date after concluding hearings on October 23. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman presented final arguments on behalf of the prosecution, while state-appointed defense counsel Md. Amir Hossain argued for the absconding accused, seeking acquittal. The defense challenged witness testimonies, claiming bias and coercion. The prosecution insisted the evidence proved command responsibility and direct involvement. The verdict is expected to have significant political and legal ramifications in Bangladesh’s ongoing accountability process.

In a major financial restructuring move, the Bangladesh government has approved the merger of five struggling Islamic banks—First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank—into a new state-owned entity named Combined Islami Bank. The initiative, approved by Bangladesh Bank, the Finance Ministry, and the Advisory Council, aims to stabilize the Islamic banking sector, which has been plagued by liquidity shortages and allegations of mismanagement. The new bank will start with a paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore and authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore, making it the largest bank in the country. The government will contribute Tk 20,000 crore, partly through sukuk bonds. A significant portion of the capital will go toward repaying depositors. Officials hope the merger will rebuild public trust, attract new deposits, and enhance remittance inflows under government ownership.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has publicly issued an unconditional apology on behalf of his party for any pain or harm caused by Jamaat since 1947. Speaking at a discussion with journalists in New York on October 22, he said that previous Jamaat leaders, including Ghulam Azam and Motiur Rahman Nizami, had also offered similar apologies. Dr. Rahman emphasized that as humans, Jamaat members could make mistakes and that acknowledging and apologizing for them was a moral responsibility. He reiterated that the apology extended up to October 22, 2025, covering all who may have suffered due to the party’s actions. The Jamaat chief also called for a referendum on political reforms, including proportional representation, before the upcoming national election. He assured that minorities would live safely under Jamaat’s rule and said the party seeks an equal, respectful relationship with India.

The interim government has initiated the formulation of a new national pay scale for government officers and employees, with the process led by a dedicated pay commission. In a significant development, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) announced that it is preparing a proposal to include private-sector salary recommendations in the same commission. FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir stated that the proposal, to be submitted soon, suggests setting a minimum monthly salary between Tk 25,000 and Tk 30,000 for all workers to ensure a humane standard of living. The government has confirmed that the pay commission’s work is progressing, and the final report will be submitted within the scheduled timeframe. Early indications suggest government salaries may nearly double. Alamgir emphasized that wages should uphold human dignity, reduce inequality, and prevent corruption across both public and private sectors.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam stated that an atmosphere is developing in Bangladesh for the formation of a caretaker government ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking at a training workshop for Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) in Dhaka, he emphasized that government officials should perform their duties with honesty, courage, and neutrality, without fear or political influence. Anwarul recalled that officials had the most freedom during previous caretaker governments and suggested a similar situation might be unfolding now. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin attended the event as the chief guest, while other commissioners and the EC’s senior secretary were also present. Another commissioner, Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah, described the upcoming election as one of the most consequential in the country’s history, urging UNOs to remain impartial. The national election, announced by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled for early February 2025.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain and Awami League lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan has said he has “no regrets” about his role during the mass uprising of July–August last year that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. Shakib was elected to parliament in a controversial January election but stayed abroad in the U.S. while violent crackdowns on protesters unfolded at home. Critics accused him of remaining silent despite being part of the ruling party. Speaking recently, Shakib acknowledged the criticism but defended his stance, saying he respects people’s opinions but feels no remorse. He claimed that over time, the public has started to “understand the real situation,” suggesting that the Awami League was not as bad as portrayed and that the July movement was misguided. Since the government’s fall, Shakib has been living abroad in what many describe as self-imposed exile.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to hear the prosecution’s final arguments today in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and two other accused. Following the defense’s closing arguments on Wednesday, the prosecution began its rebuttal, which concludes today. Chief Prosecutor and the Attorney General are expected to present their statements before the tribunal reserves the case for verdict. Earlier, 54 witnesses — including victims’ families, survivors, and medical professionals — testified in connection with the July Movement incidents, describing acts of genocide, enforced disappearances, and killings allegedly carried out during Hasina’s rule. Among the witnesses, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun appeared as a state witness, shedding light on the directives and those responsible for implementing the atrocities. The prosecution claims that the evidence presented is sufficient to establish the defendants’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt in any international court.