Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam said Islamic politics is aimed at justice and public welfare, not the pursuit of power. Speaking at a campaign rally organized by Kursha Union Jamaat at Dangar Bazar in Taraganj upazila on Tuesday, he urged voters to support him under the “scale” election symbol in the upcoming national polls. Azhar claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity, but he was later cleared of the charges by divine grace. Calling himself an orphan and elderly, he appealed for public support, assuring that he would not betray their trust if elected. The event was chaired by upazila Jamaat Ameer SM Alamgir Hossain, with participation from local Jamaat leaders and activists.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal has expelled two of its senior leaders from Chattogram for alleged involvement in violence and actions deemed contrary to the organization’s principles. The expelled leaders are Mokammel Haque Talukder, Vice President of Chattogram South District Jubo Dal, and Rokon Uddin Member, Joint General Secretary of Chattogram North District Jubo Dal. A press release signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, Assistant Office Secretary of the central committee, confirmed the decision late Monday night. Rokon Uddin was named as the prime suspect in a case filed after an armed attack in Sitakunda’s Alinagar area, which left one person dead and 14 injured. Mokammel Haque was removed for allegedly engaging in activities damaging the party’s reputation. Central leaders Abdul Monayem Munna and Nurul Islam Noyon approved the expulsion, instructing members not to maintain any organizational connection with the dismissed leaders.

In a special late-night operation on October 7, the army arrested the notorious teenage gang leader known as “Don Sagor” from the Hazaribagh area of Dhaka. Acting on secret intelligence, a patrol team from the Kamrangirchar Army Camp conducted the raid and captured Sagor red-handed. Sagor, 20, had long controlled several teenage gangs across Hazaribagh, Jigatola, Gojmohol, and Beribadh, allegedly involved in extortion, mugging, drug trading, and violent assaults. Earlier that day, Sagor and his associates brutally attacked a youth named Nayan, leaving him seriously injured with 13 stitches. During the arrest, the army recovered two sharp Chinese machetes, two mobile phones, cash, and a wristwatch. Following interrogation, Sagor was handed over to Hazaribagh Police Station, where a case has been filed. Locals expressed relief, saying his capture ended years of fear and unrest in the community.

A fatal road accident in Raozan, Chattogram, claimed the life of Hefazat-e-Islam leader Maulana Sohel Chowdhury (50), sparking widespread protests and highway blockades. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a bus hit Sohel’s motorcycle from behind near Nabin Sen Government Primary School, causing fatal injuries. Locals rushed him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Following the incident, Hefazat activists began protesting, alleging that the death was a planned assassination. From Wednesday morning, they blocked the Chattogram–Khagrachhari and Chattogram–Rangamati highways, halting traffic and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Police officials, including Additional Superintendent Kazi Md. Tarek Aziz, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing to restore order. Hefazat’s central youth affairs secretary, Mufti Kamrul Islam, accused the ruling party of involvement and announced a day-long blockade in Chattogram North district to demand justice.

Despite a government ban on catching, selling, and storing Hilsa from October 4 to 25, large-scale fishing of mother Hilsa continues unabated in the Meghna River at Raipur, Lakshmipur. Over the past four days, hundreds of fishermen have been openly using illegal current nets at various ghats including Charbanshi, Hajimara, and Chandarkhal. The absence of senior and assistant fisheries officers for months, coupled with no Coast Guard patrol, has allowed the illegal activity to flourish. Local traders are also buying and selling the fish openly, citing financial pressure and loans owed to fishermen. Concerned citizens fear a severe depletion of Hilsa stocks if immediate action is not taken, which could lead to long-term food insecurity and unemployment in fishing communities. Fisheries officials admit manpower shortages and promise to bring unregistered fishermen under regulation soon.

Dhaka’s air quality has once again deteriorated to an “unhealthy” level, according to global air monitoring agency IQAir. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday (October 8), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 145, ranking fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Egypt’s Cairo topped the list with a score of 185, followed by Manama in Bahrain (183) and Kolkata in India (177). Although recent rainfall had temporarily improved air conditions in Dhaka, pollution levels have risen again due to ongoing urban and environmental factors. AQI scores between 151 and 200 are considered “unhealthy,” particularly affecting children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around seven million people die globally each year due to air pollution-related diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that the party is committed to fulfilling the demands of private teachers within the country’s financial capacity if it comes to power. Speaking at a teachers’ rally organized at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan on October 7 to mark World Teachers’ Day, Rahman emphasized that teachers are the true role models for students beyond the family sphere. He stated that when teachers struggle for dignity and livelihood, they cannot fully inspire students. The BNP leader announced that the party is working on practical plans to ensure teachers’ financial and social security, aiming to build an education system that empowers teachers with confidence. Thousands of educators from across the nation attended the event, pressing four key demands, including nationalization of jobs and increasing the retirement age to 65. Rahman also urged teachers to take the lead in building an anti-corruption and knowledge-based society.

Sujon, a 22-year-old youth from Brahmanpara upazila in Cumilla, has died 14 days after being severely injured in a teenage gang clash. According to police, Sujon was attacked during a violent confrontation between two rival groups of local teenagers on September 22 near Enamul’s shop in Alua Islamia Alim Madrasa area. Seven others were also injured in the incident. Initially treated at Cumilla Medical College Hospital, Sujon was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s ICU, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday night. The clash reportedly stemmed from a prior verbal dispute between teenagers from Monoharpur and Alua areas. Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Sazedul Islam confirmed Sujon’s death on Tuesday and said that two suspects have already been arrested and sent to jail, while efforts continue to apprehend others involved in the attack.

The cross-examination of chief investigation officer Md. Alamgir continues today (October 8) for the third consecutive day in the crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The hearing is taking place before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder. State-appointed defense lawyer Md. Amir Hossain is leading the questioning, challenging Alamgir’s testimony regarding the July–August mass killings. The tribunal adjourned Tuesday’s session after a full day of questioning. Alamgir, the prosecution’s 54th and final witness, has previously presented extensive evidence—video footage, reports, and documents—depicting alleged atrocities across 41 districts during the 2024 protests. The tribunal will move to final arguments and verdict once cross-examinations conclude. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Gazi M.H. Tamim, and others are representing the state. The case includes five formal charges of crimes against humanity.

In a significant relief for aspiring Hajj pilgrims, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that expired passports can now be used for Hajj registration. The ministry’s Hajj-1 section issued an official circular on Tuesday, October 7, easing the passport validity requirement to simplify the 2026 Hajj registration process. However, the ministry clarified that pilgrims or Hajj agencies must update the renewed passport details in the system before visa processing begins; otherwise, the visa will not be issued. This decision aims to ensure that no eligible pilgrim faces registration hurdles due to expired passports. According to the Saudi government’s Hajj roadmap, registration for the 2026 Hajj will officially close on October 12, 2025. The move has been widely welcomed by Hajj agencies and prospective pilgrims across the country for reducing bureaucratic complications and time constraints in completing registration formalities.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has announced the tentative schedule for its admission tests for the 2025–26 academic session, marking the 55th batch of students. According to the university’s Central Admission Test Committee, the exams are expected to begin in the last week of December 2025. The decision was made during a committee meeting held on Tuesday (October 7), confirmed Deputy Registrar (Education) Syed Mohammad Ali Reza. He mentioned that the committee, led by the university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Mahfuzur Rahman, will oversee the coordination of all related activities for the admission process. Professor Rahman, who chairs the Central Admission Committee, stated that while the schedule has been tentatively set, decisions regarding the number of exam centers or changes in unit-wise exams are yet to be finalized. Further details are expected to be announced following the committee’s next meeting.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban and ordered the blocking of the National Identity (NID) card of retired Brigadier General Shamsur Rahman in connection with corruption allegations. The order was issued on Tuesday (October 7) by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez following an application from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam, the commission’s Deputy Director, Alamgir Hossain, sought the order amid concerns that Rahman might transfer illegally acquired assets. The ACC investigation revealed allegations that Shamsur Rahman and his family accumulated significant immovable and movable assets both domestically and abroad through abuse of power and undisclosed income sources. Intelligence reports suggested he was attempting to transfer or conceal these assets. To prevent evidence tampering and ensure accountability, the court restricted his foreign travel and suspended his NID privileges pending further investigation.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a public warning urging citizens not to provide personal details such as name, address, phone number, or national ID to suspicious websites or mobile apps claiming affiliation with the bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The alert follows reports of several fraudulent platforms, including dbbloan.com, bblloan.com, and bdloan71.com, which falsely use the names and logos of Bangladesh Bank and the IMF to lure people with fake loan offers. The central bank clarified that it has no connection with these entities and warned that such scams could lead to financial losses or legal risks. It also reminded the public that operating or participating in unauthorized online or offline loan platforms violates the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024, and offenders may face up to five years in jail or fines up to 5 million taka.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has officially enforced a ban on single-use plastic (SUP) inside the Secretariat. On Tuesday, October 7, three monitoring teams from the ministry, along with law enforcement agencies, conducted special drives at gates 2 and 5 to ensure compliance. Visitors and officials carrying banned plastic or polythene items had them confiscated and were instead provided with eco-friendly cloth bags. Authorities also issued strict instructions prohibiting future entry with plastic items. Law enforcement members stationed at all entry points are conducting regular checks to prevent SUP from entering the premises. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and encourage the use of sustainable alternatives. Ministry officials confirmed that this campaign marks the beginning of a nationwide expansion to eliminate single-use plastic from all government offices, promoting environmental protection and sustainable living.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has claimed that three major world powers are attempting to exert aggression and dominance over Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University’s TSC auditorium on Tuesday (October 7), marking the sixth death anniversary of BUET student Abrar Fahad, Salahuddin accused two regional powers and one global superpower of trying to influence the nation’s sovereignty. He also criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeling her a subservient leader under whose watch such foreign interference has flourished. Recalling the brutal killing of Abrar Fahad for opposing Indian dominance, he said that incident served as a warning to silence dissent. Salahuddin urged for honest, competent, and visionary leadership to restore healthy political competition and safeguard national integrity from foreign dominance.