The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has begun hearing four separate review petitions challenging the 2011 verdict that declared Bangladesh’s caretaker government system unconstitutional. The full seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, started proceedings on Tuesday morning. Petitioners include prominent citizens such as Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, along with leaders from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The caretaker system, introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996, was annulled by the 15th Amendment in 2011. Following the fall of the long-ruling Awami League government in August 2024, calls have resurfaced to restore the system to ensure neutral elections. During the hearing, the Chief Justice noted that the court seeks a sustainable solution for an election-time government, not a temporary fix, and questioned when any reinstated system might take effect.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is holding the 14th day of witness hearings in the crimes against humanity case over the brutal killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies, during the July–August movement in Ashulia. Former MP Saiful Islam and 15 others stand accused. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, is expected to hear two more witnesses today. So far, 18 witnesses have testified, including law enforcement officers and relatives of victims. The case details the horrific events of August 5 last year, when police allegedly shot six young men dead, placed their bodies in a van, and set them on fire—burning one victim alive. Eight of the accused, including senior police officers, are in custody, while Saiful Islam and seven others remain fugitives. The tribunal accepted formal charges in August, with evidence spanning hundreds of pages and multiple digital records.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to increase the housing allowance for MPO-listed teachers and employees of private educational institutions by 15 percent in two phases, leading to the withdrawal of their ongoing protest. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, teachers will receive a 7.5 percent housing allowance (minimum Tk 2,000) starting from November 1, 2025, and an additional 7.5 percent from July 1, 2026. The Finance Ministry has already approved the proposal considering budgetary constraints. Following the announcement, the leaders of the Nationalization-Seeking Alliance of MPO Teachers declared the suspension of their movement and announced that classes would resume from Wednesday. The Education Ministry described the development as a “historic moment” and a joint victory for dialogue and mutual respect, urging teachers to return to classrooms and focus on improving the quality of education across the country.

Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar has described the day of approving a 15% house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers and staff of private educational institutions as “historic” and expressed that he feels “fortunate” to be part of it. Following the Ministry of Finance’s approval on Tuesday (October 21), he issued a statement highlighting the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ living standards. Under the new arrangement, teachers will receive a 7.5% house rent allowance (minimum Tk 2,000) from November 1, 2025, with the rate increasing to 15% from July 2026. Abrar emphasized that achieving this decision was not easy, involving differences of opinion and debates, but it reflects collective success through dialogue and respect. He urged teachers to return to classrooms with renewed dedication, viewing this agreement as a foundation for mutual respect and quality education in Bangladesh.

Nearly three decades after the mysterious death of Bangladeshi film icon Salman Shah, a Dhaka court has ordered the filing of a murder case, naming 11 individuals including his former wife, Samira Haque. The case was lodged late Monday night (October 21) at Ramna Police Station, confirmed Assistant Commissioner Md. Mazharul Islam of the Ramna Zone. Among the accused are businessman Aziz Mohammad Bhai, Latifa Haque Lucy, and film actor Don, alongside several unidentified suspects. The order came following a revision petition by Salman Shah’s mother, Nila Chowdhury, who has long rejected previous investigations labeling the incident as suicide. Salman Shah was found hanging in his Eskaton residence on September 6, 1996. For 29 years, the case remained categorized as an unnatural death, until this recent legal development reopened the investigation into what many consider one of Bangladesh’s most debated celebrity deaths.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested six leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations for taking part in a sudden procession in the capital. The arrests were confirmed by DMP Deputy Director (Media) Mohammad Talebur Rahman on Tuesday, October 21. According to police sources, the group organized a flash procession violating the ongoing restrictions on political activities imposed on the Awami League and its associate bodies. Law enforcement officials intervened promptly and detained the participants from different areas of the city. Authorities stated that legal actions against the detainees are currently underway. The police have reiterated that any attempt to organize or join unauthorized political gatherings will be dealt with strictly under existing laws.

A devastating fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has raised serious concerns across Bangladesh, with many refusing to believe it was a mere accident. The blaze, which raged for 27 hours and required 37 fire service units to control, caused massive damage—estimated at Tk 12,000 crore. An intelligence report sent to top government officials suggests severe lapses in airport security and coordination after the suspension of the Airport Armed Police Battalion’s activities last August. The report alleges that inactive security personnel and delayed response worsened the disaster, and even claims that a police unit was denied permission to assist. The interim government has vowed firm action if sabotage is proven. Multiple investigation committees, including one led by the Fire Service, are probing the incident. The fire has disrupted international flights and reignited debate over security management in critical installations.

The government of Bangladesh has approved the recruitment of 4,000 new Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) under the Bangladesh Police to enhance the organization’s operational and administrative capacity. According to an official notification issued on Monday, October 20, by Abu Sayeed, Deputy Secretary of the Police-3 branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the posts will be created temporarily in the revenue sector as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement. The circular specifies that the positions will be maintained annually based on reserved quotas and must be incorporated into the updated police organizational structure. It further states that all procedures must comply with the directives of the Cabinet Division and the Finance Division, as well as the 1943 Bengal Police Resolution. This large-scale recruitment aims to reinforce the efficiency, manpower, and nationwide presence of the Bangladesh Police.

The Bangladesh government has decided to grant free education to the children of families of the ‘July Martyrs’ in honor of their parents’ sacrifice during the historic July uprising. According to official sources, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has formally requested the Ministry of Education, including the Secondary and Higher Education Division, the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, to ensure tuition-free education for these students in both public and private schools and colleges. Nusrat Jahan, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, confirmed that necessary directives were issued on September 21. Following this, on October 15, the Technical Education Department instructed the Directorate of Technical Education to take steps to implement free education for children of martyr families studying in technical institutions. This initiative recognizes the patriotism and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives during the July movement.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of shares worth approximately Tk 800 crore belonging to S. Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam, his family, and close associates. The order, issued by Senior Special Judge Sabbir Fayeaz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court on Monday (October 20), came following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to ACC sources, a total of 513,182,286 shares across 105 companies and institutions, valued at Tk 800.37 crore, were frozen to prevent their transfer. The petition, filed by ACC Deputy Director Tahsin Monabil Haque, alleged that Alam and his associates were attempting to move the shares elsewhere. This move follows an earlier court directive on July 9 to freeze 53 bank accounts held by the same individuals amid ongoing corruption allegations against the group.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a charge sheet against 26 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman and former Janata Bank Chairman Professor Dr. Abul Barkat, in a major loan fraud and embezzlement case involving approximately Tk 297 crore. The case alleges that loans were approved and disbursed from Janata Bank against land shown to contain non-existent structures, violating central bank regulations and government directives. The value of the undeveloped land was falsely inflated from about Tk 3 crore to nearly Tk 600 crore, facilitating large-scale misappropriation. Other accused include former Janata Bank MD Abdus Salam Azad and directors Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Nagibul Islam Dipu, and others linked to Suprav Spinning Ltd. However, three individuals were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The ACC confirmed that the charge sheet now includes six additional names identified during the investigation.

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.