Hefazat-e-Islam has urged the Bangladeshi government to investigate the activities of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), claiming that some of its operations may raise questions regarding national security and communal harmony. In a statement issued Saturday evening, Hefazat’s Joint Secretary-General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi alleged that ISKCON is conducting religious and infrastructural activities across Bangladesh without proper registration or government approval. He referenced earlier reports suggesting that individuals involved in controversial incidents had alleged links to ISKCON and demanded that these claims be verified through official inquiry. Maulana Azizul emphasized that Bangladesh is a secular nation where all religious communities should coexist peacefully and that religious organizations must act responsibly to maintain harmony. ISKCON leaders have not commented on the latest allegations, though the group has previously maintained that it engages solely in social, humanitarian, and spiritual work, rejecting any connection to extremist activities.

A four-nation expert team comprising specialists from the United Kingdom, Australia, China, and Turkey will assist Bangladesh in investigating the recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo village. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the team will help determine whether any negligence or mismanagement was involved. He praised the Fire Service for their timely response, noting that airport fire units reached the scene within four minutes, followed by other units within 20 minutes. The blaze spread rapidly because the area contained mostly food products. Discussions are ongoing to activate electronic gates at the airport, and measures will be taken to ease passport-related issues for expatriate workers. Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq and other officials were also present during the inspection.

Israel is witnessing an unprecedented wave of emigration, described as a “tsunami” by Knesset member Gilad Kariv, amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the recent West Bank settlement bill. A Knesset report shows that from early 2022 to mid-2024, over 125,000 Israeli settlers have permanently left the country, marking the largest human resource loss in Israel’s modern history. Analysts warn that Israel’s genocidal operations in Gaza, which killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians, have likely fueled this surge. Annual emigration numbers, previously averaging around 40,500, spiked to 59,400 in 2022 and 82,800 in 2023. The trend appears to continue into 2025, reflecting growing insecurity and disillusionment among citizens. Despite a fragile ceasefire, ongoing attacks on civilians have cast uncertainty over future peace prospects in the region.

The government has launched a major reform in the health sector, merging seven existing institutions—including the Directorate General of Health Services, Directorate of Health Education, and Directorate of Family Planning—into three directorates. The restructured bodies will be the Directorate of Medical Services, overseeing all hospitals; the Directorate of Primary Health Care and Public Health, focusing on preventive and primary care; and the Directorate of Health Education and Research, managing medical, dental, and nursing education. The Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) will replace the current Directorate of Drug Administration to regulate medicines and cosmetics. A Health Technology Assessment Unit will evaluate medical products and technology for better decision-making. Officials say the reforms aim to provide integrated services at a single point, improve efficiency, and strengthen the overall healthcare system, with phased implementation expected within 30 to 45 days.

The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) election, originally scheduled for November 15, has been unexpectedly postponed, triggering strong reactions from candidates across multiple panels. Election Committee Chairman Hasan Hafiz announced the postponement on Thursday night via a notice on the DUJ board, citing “unavoidable reasons.” Candidates expressed shock and opposition, arguing that no valid constitutional provision allows cancellation without specific circumstances. More than 100 candidates have already purchased and submitted nominations and are actively campaigning. Candidates, including Didarul Alam, DM Amirul Islam Omar, and Israfil Farazi, demanded a clear explanation from the Election Commission and warned that the election must be held on November 15. They also threatened strict protests and legal action if the decision is not reversed by October 25. Several candidates accused political influence in panel-based elections and called for reforms to prevent party control over the journalists’ body.

Hajj registration in Bangladesh is experiencing its worst situation in recent years, with only 73,416 pilgrims registering in both government and private systems, fulfilling just 57% of the total quota of 127,198. Despite extending the registration period, many devout Muslims could not participate due to high airfare, elevated registration fees, and financial constraints. Some officials in the Ministry of Religious Affairs have been accused of creating controversies that disrupted government-run Hajj arrangements. Recent trends show a growing preference for Umrah, with some believing it replaces Hajj, further reducing registration. Government preliminary registration recorded only 4,102 pilgrims, while private agencies accounted for 69,314. Hajj packages remain expensive, with costs surpassing normal airfare, and advance airfare collection discouraged many from signing up. The government has announced that registration will not be extended, leaving 53,782 slots unfilled for next year’s Hajj scheduled on 26 May.

The 22-day nationwide ban on catching hilsa, imposed to protect the fish during its breeding season, ends at midnight tonight (Saturday, October 25). Around 300,000 fishermen in Bhola district are eagerly preparing to set sail on the Meghna and Tetulia rivers. They are busy repairing boats, mending nets, and purchasing new fishing gear—many by taking loans. The fishermen hope to catch enough hilsa to repay their debts and recover from the financial strain of the fishing ban. Bhola’s District Fisheries Officer, Md. Iqbal Hossain, expressed optimism that this year’s hilsa season will be successful and help fishermen overcome losses. During the restriction period, authorities from the Fisheries Department and Coast Guard conducted drives across seven upazilas, detaining over 200 fishermen and seizing a large number of illegal nets.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has urged all democratic forces to remain united to prevent the “return of fascism” and protect Bangladesh’s democracy, independence, and sovereignty. Speaking at an event marking the 21st anniversary of the Daily Naya Diganta at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday, Ahmed emphasized that ideological differences must not divide the nation when its core interests are at stake. “If our disunity leads to the return of fascism, the nation will never forgive us,” he warned. He further stated that every citizen must fulfill the pledge made with the blood of the martyrs and “close all doors to the fascist Awami League’s comeback.” Reflecting on his exile and imprisonment, Ahmed said he never deviated from the path of struggle. He also recalled his time in a prison hospital cell with journalist Mahmudur Rahman and urged youth to uphold democratic ideals for future generations.

Salema Begum, a 65-year-old beggar from Sirajganj, who became known nationwide for saving three sacks of money from her lifelong begging, passed away on Friday evening (October 24) at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura while undergoing treatment. For over four decades, she lived in extreme poverty, barely eating, yet saved every coin she received through begging. Locally known as “Chhale Pagli,” Salema had lived alone in an abandoned workers’ quarter at Raypur 1 No. Millgate. Earlier this month, locals discovered her secret fortune—three sacks of cash totaling around Tk 1.74 lakh. Her daughter said Salema suffered from mental instability and obsessively hoarded money. Doctors diagnosed her with liver cancer before her death. She was buried Saturday morning (October 25) at the Kandapara graveyard in Sirajganj. According to local authorities, her savings will be distributed in accordance with Islamic law.

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.