The National Pay Commission has finalized its draft proposal for revising the salaries of government employees, marking a significant adjustment after ten years. The proposal, completed on Monday (October 20), recommends a salary increase ranging between 90% and 97% across all grades. According to the draft, the basic salary for Grade-1 officers is proposed at Tk 150,594, while Grade-2 and Grade-3 employees may receive Tk 127,426 and Tk 109,084 respectively. The lowest grade, Grade-20, is proposed to have a basic salary of Tk 15,928. The proposed structure aims to ensure better living standards and address inflation over the past decade. Once approved by the government, this new pay scale is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of public servants across the country. The draft now awaits final cabinet approval before implementation.

The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) has reported that the recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo village has caused an estimated loss of Tk 12,000 crore. Speaking at a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon on October 20, EAB President Mohammad Hatem expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting serious security lapses at the facility. The fire severely affected traders, with 32 pharmaceutical companies alone suffering losses worth Tk 200 crore, and officials fear the total damage may rise. Hatem urged quick settlement of insurance claims for affected goods and proposed the creation of a special government fund to support items not covered by insurance. The blaze, which broke out on October 18, was finally brought under control after seven and a half hours of coordinated efforts by the Fire Service, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Law has announced that a special committee has been formed to ensure the smooth and efficient prosecution of murder and other serious crime cases filed over killings allegedly ordered by the Awami League government during the July student and public uprising. Excluding 45 cases already under trial in the International Crimes Tribunal, the remaining 792 cases will be sent to fast-track tribunals under Section 10 of the Fast-Track Tribunal Act, 2000. Police have already submitted charge sheets for 19 murder cases in various criminal courts across the country. The committee, led by the Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division, will oversee the prosecution process and ensure timely and effective handling of these cases. The move is aimed at expediting justice and addressing public demand for accountability for the July killings.

For the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission of Bangladesh has announced the deployment of approximately 100,000 military personnel, 150,000 police officers, and 550,000 Ansar members across the country to maintain law and order. The deployment will follow the “in aid to civil power” protocol, ensuring security without interfering in the electoral process. Drones will not be allowed for campaign purposes, though law enforcement may use them if necessary. Unlike previous elections, when forces were deployed for five days, this time the plan covers eight days—three days before the vote, election day, and four days after. The EC also reported that 85% of previously looted weapons have been recovered, with recovery operations ongoing. Authorities remain confident about a peaceful election.

In response to a series of recent devastating fire incidents across the country, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued an urgent safety directive for all educational institutions. Teachers, officers, and staff of government and private schools, colleges, and district and upazila education offices are instructed to ensure that all electrical switches, lights, fans, and computers are turned off before leaving their rooms. Air conditioner plugs must also be disconnected to prevent accidents. The notice emphasizes careful verification of these safety measures to minimize the risk of fire hazards. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including a fire at a chemical warehouse in Shialbari, Mirpur that killed 16 people, a prolonged fire at a towel factory in Chattogram’s EPZ, and a severe blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo section on October 18. The DSHE aims to enhance vigilance and prevent further loss of life and property.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, calling his recent Facebook post “vague and misleading.” In his post, Nahid Islam criticized Jamaat’s movement for proportional representation (PR), describing it as a “planned political deception” intended to derail genuine constitutional reform efforts following the July uprising. Responding to the criticism, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its media department, Ehsanul Mahbub (Jubair), said Nahid’s comments were “false, baseless, and regrettable.” He asserted that Jamaat had demonstrated its firm stance in both the Consensus Commission discussions and street movements to secure legal recognition for the July National Charter. Mahbub urged Nahid Islam to refrain from making such “misleading and immature” statements that could confuse the public. The exchange highlights growing tensions among political groups over the proposed PR system and broader reform agendas.

The government has announced that tourist visits to Saint Martin’s Island will resume on November 1 after a nine-month suspension aimed at protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. However, Environment and Forest Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan clarified that a final decision on allowing tourists to stay overnight has not yet been made. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday (October 19), she said the issue will be settled after discussions with the Ministry of Tourism. The extended travel ban had severely impacted the island’s tourism-dependent economy, leaving ships idle and workers unemployed. Officials said the restrictions were part of a broader plan to safeguard the island’s biodiversity and transform Saint Martin’s into a sustainable, community-centered tourist destination that balances environmental protection with local livelihoods.

The interim government of Bangladesh is set to introduce a new national pay structure for public servants, aiming to implement it within its current tenure. A National Pay Commission has already been formed and will submit final recommendations by December. The new framework proposes significant changes in salaries and allowances, including the introduction of a “Consolidated Salary” system that eliminates separate financial and non-financial benefits. The reform also targets the removal of various honorariums paid to officials for attending meetings, seminars, and training sessions—benefits costing the state nearly Tk 1,000 crore annually. The proposed minimum salary is Tk 25,000, with the maximum set at Tk 150,000. Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that necessary funds will be allocated in the revised budget, and implementation could begin early next year after the gazette is published.

BNP central leader and former state minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has accused the Awami League government of systematically destroying Bangladesh’s education system during its 15 and a half years in power. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Future Strategy for the Upcoming National Election” organized by the Zia Parishad Natore District branch, Dulu said that during BNP’s tenure, the party established a corruption-free education system to create a proud, educated generation. He claimed that under Awami League rule, even students who didn’t study were shown as passing exams, undermining the sector’s integrity. Dulu further alleged that the ruling party appointed loyalists to key educational posts, promoting corruption and favoritism. He pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will restore honesty in education and ensure fair opportunities for teachers and students alike.

Police have detained Mahir Rahman, one of the accused in the murder of Jagannath University student Md. Zobayed Hossain, after his mother brought him to Bangshal Police Station early Monday (October 20). Zobayed, a 2019–20 Statistics Department student and a member of the JnU Chhatra Dal convening committee, was killed on Sunday afternoon at a house in Armanitola, where he used to tutor a student named Barsha. His bloodied body was found on a staircase, and CCTV footage showed two young men fleeing the scene. Zobayed’s family accused five people, including Barsha, her parents, Mahir, and Mahir’s friend Nafis, but alleged that police delayed filing the case and advised them to reduce the number of accused. Protesting students blocked Tatibazar intersection, demanding immediate arrests. Jagannath University authorities have declared two days of mourning and postponed all events scheduled for University Day on October 22.

The defense arguments have commenced in the war crimes and genocide case filed against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, related to the July-August student and public uprising. On Monday, October 20, state-appointed defense lawyer Md. Amir Hossain began presenting arguments on behalf of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. The prosecution concluded its arguments last Thursday, the fifth consecutive day of proceedings. Following that, the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, scheduled the defense phase for today. A total of 54 witnesses, including the investigation officer, journalist Mahmudur Rahman, and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, testified for the prosecution. However, due to two key accused remaining absconding, no defense witnesses were presented. Meanwhile, testimony is also being heard today in another case at Tribunal-2 concerning the Ashulia six-body burning incident.

A state-of-the-art 230/33 kV high-voltage GIS substation is being built in Charfashion, Bhola, marking a major milestone for Bangladesh’s coastal power infrastructure. Jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh, ADB, and the Climate Fund—at a cost of about Tk 400 crore—the project is being implemented by Reverie Power & Automation Engineering Ltd (Bangladesh) and China’s SPTDE. Once operational in December 2025, the substation will ensure uninterrupted electricity, reduce low-voltage issues and system loss, and open doors for industrial and economic development in the region. Power from Shahbazpur gas plant (425 MW daily) will reach the grid via fiber cables that can also deliver high-speed internet. Locals anticipate new industries, jobs, and improved living standards. The modern facility includes lightning protection, 125 transmission towers, and enhanced disaster resilience—promising a new era of growth for the southern coastal belt.

An old video showing a fire on the passenger launch Mayur-7 at Dhaka’s Sadarghat has gone viral on Facebook, falsely presented as a recent incident. The footage actually dates back to June 30, 2023, when 13 fire service units brought the blaze under control within an hour. Officials, including then-duty officer Khaleda Yasmin, confirmed that the fire was swiftly contained, though details of casualties and losses were uncertain at the time. Recently, social media users have been spreading the old video, matching it with minor fire incidents to mislead the public. Local residents claim certain political groups are using the footage to spread propaganda and stir instability. Both Sadarghat police and fire service officials confirmed that no such fire occurred recently and urged citizens to verify information before sharing.

A Dhaka court has directed law enforcement authorities to identify and take legal action against the administrators and financial operators behind online pornography groups. The directive follows a news report titled “Thousands of Young Women’s Nude Videos Sold on Telegram”, published in a national daily. Taking the report into judicial notice under Section 190(1)(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jakir Hossain ordered the Deputy Commissioner of DB Police’s Cyber and Special Crime Division to appoint a skilled investigation officer. The court further instructed that a case be filed based on the findings, and progress reports must be submitted every 15 days. Both journalists who published the report have been directed to assist in the investigation. The final report is due by November 30. SI Rukunuzzaman of the prosecution confirmed the court’s order.

A violent incident occurred at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Sunday afternoon, where several journalists were assaulted while covering the interview session of nomination seekers from Sylhet division. Reporters from Amar Desh, The Daily Star, Naya Diganta, and Jago News were among those attacked. Amar Desh reporter Zahidul Islam stated that he was filming when several individuals dragged him away, broke his mobile phone, and took his press card despite his explanation. Other journalists confirmed being harassed and expressed outrage over the attack, calling it unacceptable. Following the incident, a photo of one alleged attacker, identified as Faisal, was circulated on social media by reporters. Later in the evening, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement expressing regret, describing the attack as an unexpected misunderstanding and reaffirming the party’s respect for the media’s vital role in democracy.