A massive fire that broke out in the warehouses of Adams Caps and Textile Limited and Zhihong Medical Company in Chittagong’s Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) has been brought under control after nearly 17 hours. The fire, which began around 2:00 pm on Thursday, spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials stored in the warehouses. Twenty-five units, including 23 from the Fire Service and two from the Air Force and Navy, joined the firefighting operation, with additional support from the Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). A firefighting robot was also deployed to spray water automatically on the flames. Preliminary reports indicate the fire originated in the top-floor warehouse. While the fire is under control, authorities caution that complete extinguishment will take more time. The incident has caused significant concern over industrial safety standards in the zone.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB) have successfully solved the high-profile theft of 500 vori of gold jewelry from Shampa Jewellers in Malibagh’s Fortune Shopping Mall, just days after the incident. Three gang members were directly involved: two entered the building using a rope while wearing burqas, and one waited below on a motorcycle. After stealing the jewelry, they fled and divided it among themselves. Utilizing advanced investigative techniques, the DB identified the main suspects and conducted nationwide operations, arresting four members. Over 150 vori of gold were recovered from one member’s home, along with additional gold and cash from others. The theft, reported on the night of October 8, involved breaking the store’s shutter and stealing jewelry from display cases. Police credit the prompt recovery as a major success, preventing the gang from selling the stolen gold. A detailed briefing will follow at a DB press conference.

The holy month of Ramadan in 2026 is expected to start on February 19 in the Middle East, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, president of the Emirates Astronomical Society. Speaking to Al Arabiya, he said the crescent moon of the Hijri year 1447 will appear on February 17 but set just one minute after sunset, making it invisible to the naked eye. As a result, Ramadan will begin the following day, on February 19, and Eid al-Fitr will likely be celebrated on Friday, March 20. Fasting hours during early Ramadan will last around 12 hours, gradually increasing to 13 by the end of the month. Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee will meet on February 18, though it often relies on the Umm al-Qura calendar. As Ramadan usually begins a day later in Bangladesh, the country is expected to start fasting on February 20 and celebrate Eid al-Fitr on March 21.

Interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that last year’s July–August student and public uprising had no single mastermind or foreign involvement. During cross-examination on October 16 in a case over the killing of six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul, Asif said 58 coordinators jointly launched the anti-discrimination student movement after the quota system verdict on June 5, 2024. He asserted that all coordinators held equal status and used Facebook and WhatsApp for communication. Asif also denied any political or foreign influence, saying protesters self-funded the movement. Recalling the Chankharpul shooting on August 5, he testified that police opened fire, killing six protesters, and alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the then Home Minister, senior police officials, and Awami League leaders were responsible. Eight former DMP officials are now facing trial, with four in custody and four reportedly absconding.

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has declared the beginning of a “New Bangladesh” following the signing of the Historic July National Charter 2025. The signing ceremony, held on Friday at 5 p.m., marked a major political milestone, with representatives from various political parties joining in the event. Before the signing, the national anthem was performed at 4:37 p.m. In his remarks, Professor Yunus stated that this Charter symbolizes a new era of transformation made possible by the people’s and students’ uprising. He described the moment as the “second phase of the mass movement,” emphasizing that the nation is discarding old practices and embracing a new framework for governance and democracy—from Parliament to state administration. Yunus expressed optimism that the reforms will lead the nation forward, saying, “Today marks our rebirth; through this signature, we begin a new Bangladesh.”

The National Citizens Party (NCP) chose not to attend the signing ceremony of the July Charter 2025, held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Earlier, the party announced in a statement that it would refrain from joining the event, arguing that the signing lacked any legal foundation and was merely a symbolic formality. NCP emphasized that without a clear legal basis, the initiative could turn into another one-sided document like the “July Declaration.” However, the party appreciated the Consensus Commission’s decision to extend the timeframe and confirmed that it would participate in future proceedings to express its stance. The ceremony began at 4:30 PM with the national anthem, attended by the Chief Adviser, other advisers, and leaders from several political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nagorik Oikya, and Ganosamhati Andolon.

MPO-listed teachers and staff have started a hunger strike at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to press for three key demands, including nationalization of their jobs, salary reform, and an increase in housing allowance. The strike began on Friday afternoon, led by Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi, the member secretary of the alliance demanding nationalization. Teachers from across the country have gathered at the site, braving rain and fatigue while chanting slogans and giving speeches. Many participants expressed frustration over receiving only Tk 2,000 as housing allowance, saying it is impossible to rent accommodation with such a small amount. The protest has continued for six consecutive days, but the government has yet to respond. Six teachers’ organizations have united under a single platform, declaring that they will not end their movement until their demands are met.

A violent clash broke out in front of the National Parliament in Dhaka on Friday (October 17) during the “July Certificate Signing” event. Police baton-charged a group of “July Warriors” — participants in the July Uprising — as tensions escalated. Protesters retaliated by throwing bricks and setting fires. In the chaos, one protester’s artificial arm was seen lying on the road after it detached during the assault. The July Warriors had gathered demanding official state recognition for those injured in the July Uprising and for them to be honored as national heroes. They declared they would not leave the area until their three-point demand was met. Protesters reportedly broke Gate No. 12 of the Parliament compound and vandalized several vehicles. Fires were also set to police barricades and temporary tents near Manik Mia Avenue, as the confrontation intensified between police and demonstrators.

Across four of Bangladesh’s most prominent universities, student panels supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir registered dominant wins in recently held central and hall student council elections. At Dhaka University — where voting returned after six years — the united Shibir-backed student alliance captured 23 of 28 central posts, including VP and GS; VP Abu Sadiq secured 14,042 votes against 5,708 for his nearest rival. Jahangirnagar University followed with 20 of 25 central seats won by the Shibir-supported slate, including GS and both AGS posts. Chittagong University’s long-awaited poll produced 24 of 26 central seats for the same alliance, with VP and GS winning by large margins. Rajshahi University also saw the alliance win 20 of 23 central posts, with VP Zahid polling 12,687 votes. Voter participation varied by campus but turnout was robust in several places. Observers and rival groups reacted with surprise; academic and student leaders called for reflection on strategy and campus politics after the successive, sweeping outcomes.

In a powerful demonstration of unity, tens of thousands of people from five districts of the Rangpur Division—Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Gaibandha—lit torches along a 105-kilometer stretch of the Teesta River on Thursday evening. The symbolic event, organized under the banner of the “Jago Bahe Teesta Bachao” (Rise to Save Teesta) movement, called for the urgent implementation of the long-awaited Teesta Master Plan. Former state minister and BNP central organizing secretary Principal Asadul Habib Dulu inaugurated the program, warning that delays in the project would lead to a massive regional protest. He declared that the Teesta crisis is no longer local but a national issue, accusing the government of negligence and conspiracy. The program saw participation from political leaders, social activists, students, and youth groups, all chanting: “Save Teesta, demand fair water share!”

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has warned students and guardians against enrolling in three fake foreign university branch campuses operating illegally in the country. In a press release issued on Thursday (October 16), the UGC identified the institutions as America World University, USA; Trinity University, USA; and Spiritual Institute of New York (State University of). The commission confirmed that neither the government nor the UGC has granted approval to these universities. The discovery came after Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited requested verification of certificates issued by these institutions. During the verification process, the UGC found evidence of unauthorized branch campuses operating in Bangladesh. The UGC also cautioned that several unapproved foreign universities, tutorial centers, and study centers across the country are illegally offering undergraduate to PhD degrees, which are entirely invalid under existing laws. Students are urged to verify institutional approval before admission.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced that it will not sign the July Charter without first reviewing the draft implementation order. Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, described the party’s stance as “regrettable” but emphasized optimism that the NCP may eventually sign the charter considering the broader political context. At a press conference, NCP convener Nahid Islam outlined three key demands: public disclosure of the finalized text and referendum question, issuance of the draft implementation order by Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus as a reflection of the people’s sovereign will, and nullification of any ‘Note of Dissent’ if the public approves the charter via referendum. Out of 84 proposals in the July Charter, NCP has dissent only on one, advocating for 15 percent women’s direct election compared to the commission’s 5 percent proposal. The commission expects rapid implementation after the signing.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced it will boycott the July National Charter signing ceremony scheduled for October 17, citing two major reasons—absence of a legal foundation for the charter and lack of access to its full text. NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the party has consistently pushed for a legally recognized framework since the 2024 people’s uprising, but those demands remain unfulfilled. He described the signing event as a “deceptive process,” adding that NCP will not participate until transparency and legal assurance are ensured. Earlier, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain also expressed doubts about the charter’s implementation, suggesting that without clarity, its objectives could remain unachieved. The boycott announcement just a day before the event has raised uncertainty over the ceremony’s credibility and unity among pro-reform groups.

Teachers’ organizations have been advocating for a 20% increase in house rent along with other demands, but the government is currently discussing a 5% raise, with a minimum of 2,000 Taka, due to financial constraints, according to Education Advisor Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Education on October 16, he emphasized that he has long supported improvements in teachers’ salaries, training, and professional dignity. Dr. Abrar noted that the government is sensitive and respectful toward teachers’ demands and is actively considering a percentage-based house rent system based on available resources. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize professional development and training programs, stressing that teachers’ respect and capabilities are as important as their salaries.

Education Secretary Rehana Parvin has assured that a national pay scale for teachers will be implemented in the near future, aiming to address longstanding issues related to salaries and house rent allowances. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Education on October 16, she highlighted that teachers under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) system have been demanding an increase in house rent. Rehana Parvin confirmed that the Ministry of Education has sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance regarding the matter and emphasized that officials are working tirelessly, even while some key advisors are abroad. She expressed optimism that discussions will lead to a resolution, and the new national pay scale will have a positive impact on teachers’ financial well-being. The Secretary called for cooperation from all stakeholders and noted that it may take some time to observe the full benefits.