The International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB) in Uttara has officially launched a Young Learner English Center in collaboration with the British Council, aiming to expand high-quality English education for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17. The inauguration took place at the school’s main Uttara campus on October 11, with school leaders highlighting the center as a vibrant learning hub. The initiative offers a structured, internationally recognized curriculum designed to enhance students’ communication skills, creativity, and confidence while preparing them for global opportunities. Cambridge-certified teachers will conduct specially designed courses, and parents can track their children’s progress regularly. This new center complements the British Council facility on Fuller Road in southern Dhaka, allowing northern students easier access to world-class English education. The project reflects IHSB’s commitment to integrated education, academic excellence, and global readiness.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a new policy to regulate the refund value of damaged, torn, or burnt currency notes, ensuring fairness and uniformity across all banks. According to the circular issued Thursday, the directive takes immediate effect. Under the policy, if more than 90% of a note remains intact, customers will receive its full value. Notes with 75–90% of their surface will be refunded at 75%, and those with 51–75% at 50%. Notes with less than 51% remaining will not be eligible for compensation. The new “Note Reimbursement Regulations 2025” replaces the previous 2012 framework, introducing precise and transparent guidelines. Customers can appeal unresolved cases through their bank’s head office and ultimately to Bangladesh Bank. The initiative aims to strengthen consumer confidence, enhance transparency, and modernize the country’s currency management system.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 begins hearing arguments on Sunday, October 12, in the high-profile case accusing Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun of crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the schedule through a video statement on Saturday evening. The final witness, investigation officer Md. Alamgir, completed cross-examination last Wednesday, after which the tribunal—led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder—set the date for arguments. The prosecution will start the argument phase today, followed by the defense’s presentation and then the prosecution’s rebuttal. The tribunal completed recording testimonies from 54 witnesses over 28 working days. Once the hearings conclude, the case will proceed to judgment. The prosecution’s arguments will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and the prosecution’s official Facebook page.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the process of bringing certain army officers accused of involvement in enforced disappearances and killings under trial has begun. In a Facebook post on October 12, he acknowledged that some members of the army had failed to uphold human rights and the rule of law but emphasized that these individuals’ actions should not tarnish the entire institution. He said the people of Bangladesh want to remain proud of their patriotic armed forces. Dr. Rahman praised the army’s willingness to cooperate with the judicial process and expressed hope that the trials would be transparent and fair. He added that justice for specific offenders would help restore national trust, erase the burden of past misdeeds, and prevent future misuse of authority, ultimately benefiting the nation in the long term.

A locally produced, science-backed nutritional food from Bangladesh named MDCF-2 (Microbiota-Directed Complementary Food) has been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “Best Inventions of 2025.” Developed jointly by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and Washington University, this affordable food supplement is designed for malnourished children. Unlike conventional nutrition products, MDCF-2 not only fills the stomach but also restores beneficial gut microbiota, enabling children to absorb nutrients naturally. Made from chickpea, soy, peanut, and green banana powders, it strengthens immunity and cognitive development. According to icddr,b Executive Director Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, this recognition proves that science combined with compassion can solve long-standing global health challenges. MDCF-2 stands as a beacon of hope for millions of undernourished children worldwide, demonstrating how local innovation can bring sustainable global health solutions.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged six major commitments for women and girls, promising to make the state a true partner in fulfilling their dreams if given the chance to govern. In a message marking International Day of the Girl Child, he vowed to introduce “Family Cards” under women’s names to ensure direct financial aid, expand SME loans and training for female entrepreneurs, and strengthen girls’ access to academic and technical education. He also emphasized greater participation of women in policymaking, safeguarding their dignity and independence, and prioritizing women’s welfare in health, employment, and rural development. Rahman recalled the legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia in empowering women through education, employment, and governance, noting that true national progress requires the empowerment of every girl to dream, learn, and lead with freedom and safety.

The July Charter signing ceremony, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, has been postponed to Friday, October 17, to allow wider public participation. The decision was made during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday, October 11. After the meeting, Commission Vice-Chair Professor Dr. Ali Riaz announced that the July National Charter signing is a historic event. To facilitate attendance, it will now take place on the South Plaza of the National Parliament building on Friday afternoon. The meeting also decided that representatives from different political parties, alliances, and professional groups will be invited to attend the ceremony. Other attendees at the meeting included Commission Member Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haydar.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has raised concerns over the neutrality of some advisers in the interim government, saying the public is questioning whether all advisers are truly impartial. Speaking at a memorial event in Gazipur marking the ninth death anniversary of BNP leader Brigadier General Hannan Shah, Fakhrul claimed that certain advisers show favoritism toward specific parties, which undermines public confidence. He expressed support for the reform initiatives undertaken by the government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus but accused a vested group of portraying BNP as anti-reform. Fakhrul emphasized that BNP has always championed democratic reforms and women’s empowerment. Criticizing India’s role in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, he called for an equal and just bilateral relationship. He also urged party activists to unite and ensure victory for Hannan Shah’s son, Shah Riazul Hannan, in the upcoming parliamentary election expected in February.

The Department of Meteorology has forecasted that October may witness the formation of one to three low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal, with the potential for one to intensify into a depression or cyclone. Normal rainfall is expected across most parts of the country, though temperatures may remain slightly above average. The forecast predicts two to four days of moderate to heavy thunderstorms and three to five days of light to moderate thunderstorms. Rivers are likely to maintain normal flow, but heavy rains could trigger short-term flooding in northern, northeastern, and southeastern hill regions. Daily evaporation is estimated between 2.25 and 4.25 millimeters, with 5 to 7 hours of bright sunshine on average, signaling typical seasonal weather patterns alongside possible extreme events.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that the viva voce (oral) examination for the 49th Special BCS will begin on October 26, following the release of the written exam results within 7 to 10 days. The written examination for the Education Cadre, conducted on October 10 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, was held exclusively in Dhaka metropolitan centers with 374,752 registered candidates, though the exact attendance has not yet been confirmed. Candidates who pass the written test will be eligible to participate in the viva. Through this 49th BCS, 653 lecturer positions in government general colleges and 30 in teacher training colleges will be filled. The Bengali department has the highest number of vacancies at 61, followed by Political Science (55), English (50), Economics (40), Philosophy (30), Chemistry (30), and Islamic History and Culture (32).

The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, has confirmed that the national election will be held in the first week of February under the caretaker government. Speaking at a courtesy meeting with journalists at Mymensingh Press Club on October 10, he emphasized that any doubts regarding the election have been completely resolved and the country is prepared for voting. He noted that political parties have reached consensus on the July certificate and will finalize matters soon. A declaration regarding the signing of the certificate is expected on October 15, after which parties will intensify election preparations. Several parties have already announced nominations. Alam stressed that previous elections were flawed, but this upcoming vote will be free, fair, and the best in Bangladesh’s history.

Under a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israeli troops have started withdrawing from parts of Gaza, allowing some residents to return to their devastated neighborhoods. In Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan area, homes lie in ruins, and many locals remain cautious about whether the ceasefire will hold. Ismail Zayda, a 40-year-old resident, expressed gratitude that his house is still standing, while neighbors’ houses were completely destroyed. In southern Gaza’s Khan Yunis, some Israeli troops have already pulled back, though tank fire continues in nearby areas. In central Nuseirat refugee camp, soldiers retreated east toward the Israeli border, with some returning after early morning gunfire. Rescue teams are now reaching previously inaccessible areas, recovering bodies from earlier attacks. The ceasefire, part of a U.S.-backed plan, includes prisoner exchanges and phased Israeli troop withdrawals.

Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward accountability as a court formally charged 28 individuals on October 9, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, over allegations of enforced disappearances, secret detentions, and torture. The International Crimes Tribunal also issued arrest warrants against the accused. Human Rights Watch (HRW) welcomed the move, highlighting years of impunity under Hasina’s administration, during which extrajudicial killings, torture, and suppression of dissent reportedly increased. HRW’s Asia Deputy Director Meenakshi Ganguly noted that previous promises of investigation went unfulfilled. Following mass protests in 2024 that led to Hasina’s fall, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus formed a commission investigating disappearances, documenting over 1,850 cases, with more than 300 people believed to have died in custody. HRW emphasized the importance of fair trial standards and expressed ongoing concern about potential use of the death penalty, while acknowledging this development as a rare step toward justice.

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and activist Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being abducted from the Freedom Flotilla’s ship “Conscience” on October 8 by Israeli occupation forces. Following his capture, he was taken to Israel’s Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert, where numerous Palestinian prisoners are reportedly subjected to severe mistreatment. Dr. Alam was freed earlier today and has arrived in Turkey on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921. According to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey, Amanul Haque, he will return home tonight on another Turkish Airlines flight departing Istanbul at 6:45 p.m. local time (9:45 p.m. Bangladesh time). The flight is expected to land in Dhaka early Saturday morning at 4:55 a.m. His release has brought relief and joy to colleagues, human rights advocates, and supporters across Bangladesh who had been calling for his safe return.

Internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi photographer and writer Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli custody after being abducted by Israeli occupation forces on October 8 from the Freedom Flotilla ship Conscience. He was detained at Israel’s Ketziot Prison, located in the Negev Desert, known for holding Palestinian prisoners under harsh conditions. Shahidul Alam arrived safely in Turkey today on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921. The Chief Adviser’s Office confirmed his arrival, stating that Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, welcomed him at the airport. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan played a vital role in facilitating Alam’s release, for which Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude. Shahidul was among several journalists, activists, and medical workers detained from the flotilla by Israeli forces. He is expected to return to Bangladesh soon following his release.