Gold prices in Bangladesh have reached a new all-time high following another price hike announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The BAJUS Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring made the decision during a meeting held on Sunday. According to a notice signed by the committee chairman, Masudur Rahman, the price of 22-carat gold—the highest quality available—has been increased by Tk 1,050 per bhori (11.664 grams). With this adjustment, each bhori of 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 217,382. The association explained that the price hike was made in response to the rising cost of pure or raw gold in the local market. The new rates will officially take effect from Monday, October 20. This marks yet another historic peak for gold prices in the country, reflecting ongoing volatility in global and domestic precious metal markets.

MPO-affiliated teachers from private schools have announced an indefinite hunger strike starting Monday, October 20, demanding three major points, including a 20% salary increase and house rent allowance. The announcement was made by Delwar Hossain Azizi, secretary of the education nationalization coalition, at Mazar More near the High Court on Sunday. Following the announcement, teachers started a hunger march from the Central Shaheed Minar, remaining there until 5:00 pm. Meanwhile, the government has approved a 5% house rent allowance for private school teachers under the MPO scheme despite budget constraints, according to Finance Ministry orders issued Sunday. Education advisor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar urged teachers to return to classrooms while accepting the new allowance arrangement. The government’s decision marks a partial response to the teachers’ ongoing demands.

Following a series of severe fire incidents across the country, the Police Headquarters has instructed all police units to remain on the highest alert. The directive comes amid concerns that other critical installations, known as Key Point Installations (KPIs), could become potential targets. Immediate steps have been taken to strengthen security, including increased patrols, establishment of checkpoints at important locations, and detention of suspicious individuals. The order was issued after the massive fire at Shahjalal International Airport on October 18, prompting intensified monitoring of KPIs nationwide. District-level officers have also been directed to ensure vigilant oversight of critical sites within their jurisdictions. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam emphasized that security at key installations, including government offices, airports, power plants, and other sensitive facilities, is reinforced throughout the year. Currently, 587 KPIs are under surveillance, coordinated by a specialized government committee to maintain robust security measures.

A Jagannath University student, identified as Jubayed Hossain, was stabbed to death in Old Dhaka’s Armanitola area on Sunday evening, October 19. Police confirmed that his body was found inside the house where he used to give private tuition, located in Panir Pump Lane. The victim, a student of the 2019–20 session in the Statistics Department, was also the president of the Cumilla District Student Welfare Association at Jagannath University and a member of the BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) convening committee on campus. Banshal Police Station OC Rafiqul Islam said the exact cause of the killing is still under investigation. University Proctor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tajammul Haque described the incident as tragic and said CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed. Police are trying to identify the assailants and determine whether the murder was politically motivated or personal.

The Advisory Committee on the Review of RAJUK’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022–2035 has approved draft amendments that will increase floor area ratio (FAR) and population density across most urban areas under RAJUK’s jurisdiction, while strictly prohibiting construction on agricultural land. The amendments consolidate watercourses into designated flood flow zones, introduce incentives for Transit-Oriented Development and block-based regeneration, and align building regulations with the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020). Additional measures include mandatory sewerage treatment plants for large plots, green building incentives, streamlined approval processes for large projects, and provisions considering disaster management. The amended DAP is expected to be published soon in the official gazette. The committee held extensive consultations with multiple ministries and stakeholders before finalizing the proposals.

Following a massive fire at Dhaka’s Cargo Village, three international flights were forced to land at Sylhet Osmani Airport, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The district administration quickly arranged a special carriage on the Upaban Express train to transport passengers to Dhaka. On Saturday night, an extra carriage was attached to accommodate those traveling on emergency flights. The first flight from Riyadh carried 396 passengers, followed by flights from Singapore with 153 passengers and Malaysia with 75 passengers. Osmani International Airport Director Hafiz Uddin Ahmed confirmed that the airport can handle multiple flights simultaneously, and stranded passengers are receiving support from both the railway and district administration while waiting in airport lounges. Passengers expressed frustration over canceled flights, citing significant personal and financial inconveniences caused by the incident.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlis, and six other like-minded political parties have unveiled a new program to implement their five-point agenda. Representatives of eight parties announced the initiative at a press conference at the Press Club on October 19, marking the fourth phase of their campaign. The program includes protest marches and rallies in the capital on October 20, divisional cities on October 25, and district towns on October 27. The five-point demands include holding a referendum on the July National Charter, introducing proportional representation in both parliamentary chambers, ensuring a level playing field for free and fair elections, visible accountability for government corruption and atrocities, and banning the activities of parties seen as allies of dictatorship. Key leaders from all eight parties attended the press briefing.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has stated that there is no situation that could prevent the national elections scheduled for February, assuring that the polls will take place before Ramadan. Speaking to journalists in Sylhet on 19 October, he clarified that the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) cannot receive the ‘Shapla’ (Water Lily) symbol as it is not listed in the official election symbols. He emphasized that unlike previous controversial elections, this time the process will be transparent, fair, and free from the influence of controversial individuals. The commissioner also noted that with the Awami League currently a suspended party, it cannot participate in the upcoming elections. The remarks were made while he served as chief guest at a police training workshop aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency for smooth electoral management.

The National Citizen Party’s (NCP) southern regional chief organizer, Hasanat Abdullah, has firmly stated that the party will not accept any election symbol other than the Shapla (water lily). Following a meeting with Election Commission (EC) officials on the final day of symbol selection, he accused the EC of acting like an authoritarian body, claiming its decisions are being imposed rather than made independently. Hasanat questioned the transparency and neutrality of the commission, alleging that it lacks the capability and moral strength to conduct a fair, participatory election. He compared the EC’s operations to those of “medieval monarchs” and warned that its arbitrary actions could lead to consequences similar to those faced by former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda. He reiterated that NCP would not compromise on its demand for the Shapla symbol.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the National Citizens Party (NCP) partially cut and misrepresented his remarks about the “July Warriors” made around the July Charter signing ceremony. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Sunday, Salahuddin welcomed NCP Convener Nahid Islam’s call for an apology, calling it a healthy part of democratic practice. He clarified that his comments were meant to honor those who participated in the July uprising and not to undermine them. He emphasized that the mass movement was the outcome of a 16-year-long struggle against fascism, in which BNP and other democratic forces made immense sacrifices. Salahuddin also alleged that chaos surrounding the July Charter event was incited by elements linked to the “Awami fascist forces,” not genuine July Warriors. He insisted that attempts to portray BNP as opposing the uprising would not succeed.

A devastating fire broke out on Saturday night at the Incepta Pharmaceuticals factory in Dhamrai’s Barobaria area, injuring at least ten workers. The blaze started around 8 p.m. on the fourth floor of Building No. 09, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit, and quickly spread throughout the structure, engulfing it in dense black smoke. Three units of the Dhamrai Fire Service rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control after nearly two hours of effort using the building’s hydrant system. No fatalities were reported, though the factory’s IPS power system sustained significant damage. Authorities have yet to determine the total losses. Panic initially spread among employees, but the swift response from firefighters prevented a larger catastrophe.

Teachers and employees of MPO-listed private educational institutions across Bangladesh have rejected the Finance Ministry’s circular that approved only a 5% (minimum Tk 2,000) increase in house rent allowance. They termed the decision “insufficient” and declared the continuation of their ongoing movement. The protesters are demanding a 20% house rent allowance, Tk 1,500 medical allowance, and 75% festival allowance. Md. Delowar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the alliance seeking nationalization of MPO-listed institutions, said on Facebook that the 5% hike is a partial victory but not enough to end their protests. On Sunday, teachers continued their sit-in and hunger strike for the eighth consecutive day at the Central Shaheed Minar and announced a “hunger march” towards the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE). They warned that their demonstrations will persist until all three allowance demands are fulfilled.

Following a string of devastating fires across Bangladesh—including a major blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport—the Police Headquarters has directed all police units to maintain the highest state of alert. Officials fear possible attacks targeting key point installations (KPIs), such as government buildings, airports, power plants, and national institutions. In response, additional patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance measures have been deployed nationwide, especially around 587 identified KPIs, including Bangabhaban, Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the National Parliament. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam said the directive aims to reinforce year-round security and ensure coordinated action among law enforcement and security agencies. The interim government assured citizens that all fire incidents are under thorough investigation, emphasizing that any act of sabotage or arson will face strong and immediate action. It urged unity and vigilance, asserting that fear must not undermine national stability and democratic resilience.

Teacher leaders of the “Nationalization Movement Unity Alliance” have expressed satisfaction following a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. During the meeting, held on Sunday (October 19) at BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Fakhrul assured that if BNP assumes power, all MPO-listed private educational institutions will be nationalized. Following the discussion, Member Secretary Delwar Hossain Aziz said Fakhrul had listened carefully to their demands and had also consulted BNP’s financial advisor over the phone to discuss the teachers’ proposals and related fiscal issues. The teacher delegation proposed a 20% increase in house rent allowance as an interim measure. Aziz added that the BNP leader’s sincerity and attention to implementation had given new momentum to their ongoing movement for nationalization. The teachers also plan to form a broader political unity to urge the government to consider their demands.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that a financially independent or self-sufficient wife cannot claim permanent alimony under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act. The bench, comprising Justices Anil Kshetrapal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, observed that permanent alimony is a measure of social justice, not a means of creating financial equality or redistribution of wealth between capable individuals. The ruling came while upholding a Family Court’s decision to dismiss a woman’s alimony claim and grant divorce to her husband, a lawyer. The wife, a senior Indian Railway Traffic Service officer, had demanded ₹50 lakh as a settlement. The court noted her substantial income and professional status, ruling that she was not entitled to financial support. The bench also cited evidence of the wife’s verbal and mental abuse toward her husband, affirming that the lower court’s decision was fair and legally justified.