Israeli forces launched new airstrikes and opened fire in Gaza despite an ongoing ceasefire, killing several Palestinians and sparking fears that the fragile truce could collapse. According to Al Jazeera, four civilians were killed in the Al-Shaaf area of Gaza City when they returned to inspect their destroyed homes. The Israeli army claimed they fired on militants who had crossed a boundary known as the “yellow line,” established under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on October 10. Since then, Gaza authorities report at least 97 Palestinians killed, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. Last Sunday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 42 people, including children. Hamas denied Israeli claims of attacks near Rafah and accused Israel of seeking excuses to restart the conflict. Despite threats to block humanitarian aid, Israel later confirmed it would maintain the truce. The UN said aid deliveries to Gaza have resumed.

Nicolas Sarkozy, former French president (2007–2012), has become the first French ex-leader since WWII to be jailed, beginning a five-year sentence for conspiring to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy, 70, entered La Santé prison in Paris, where he will stay in an isolation wing cell of around 10 square meters equipped with basic amenities. Supporters gathered outside his home shouting encouragement as he left with his wife, Carla Bruni. Despite his conviction, Sarkozy maintains his innocence, calling his imprisonment a “humiliation for France” driven by revenge. He has appealed the ruling, and his lawyer has already filed a request for his release. Current President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged meeting Sarkozy, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin plans to visit him. Sarkozy has vowed to face prison “with his head held high,” citing faith that truth will ultimately prevail.

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.

In a landmark reform, Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system that tightly controlled the movement and employment of foreign workers. The new labor model replaces the restrictive framework with a contract-based employment system, allowing migrant workers to change jobs, renew visas, and leave the country without needing employer permission. This historic move is expected to directly benefit over 13 million expatriates, most from South and Southeast Asia. Human rights groups have hailed the decision as a “new chapter in Saudi labor history,” though they stress the importance of strict implementation to ensure genuine change. The reform aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize the economy and strengthen workers’ rights. By ending employer dominance over workers, the kingdom seeks to create a more balanced, transparent, and competitive labor environment across the Gulf region.

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.

Gold prices have soared past $4,200 per ounce in 2025, setting record highs and marking the strongest performance since 1979. While jewelry remains the dominant consumer of gold globally, demand is rising sharply across three key non-jewelry sectors: investment, central bank reserves, and technology. According to the World Gold Council, total gold demand in the first half of 2025 reached 2,455 tons—3% higher than last year—driven by strong investment amid economic uncertainty. Investors view gold as a “safe haven,” with investment demand reaching 1,180 tons in 2024, up 25% year-on-year. Central banks purchased 1,046 tons to diversify reserves and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, marking their third consecutive year above the 1,000-ton threshold. Meanwhile, gold’s use in technology—especially electronics and AI hardware—continues to grow due to its excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Japan has made history as Sanae Takaichi became the nation’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, October 21. The long-time conservative politician and close ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assumed office after securing a narrow parliamentary victory. Takaichi won 125 votes in the upper house—just one more than required—and 237 out of 465 in the lower house, surpassing the majority by four votes. Her rise came swiftly after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won the October 4 election but lost its coalition partner, Komeito, over ideological and corruption concerns. To form a functioning government, Takaichi struck an 11-hour deal with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). As Japan’s first female leader and its fifth prime minister in recent years, she faces daunting challenges ahead, including economic recovery and preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit.

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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia currently controls about 78 percent of Ukraine’s territory and urged both sides to immediately stop fighting. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump stated that “both parties should stop the war now” and focus on negotiating a long-term territorial settlement instead of continued bloodshed. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera on Monday, October 20. Trump emphasized the futility of ongoing violence, saying that continued warfare would make any future peace talks harder to achieve. Referring to the war-torn Donbas region, he suggested keeping current territorial lines “as they are” for now, asserting that Russia already occupies most of Ukraine’s land. This marks a notable shift from Trump’s earlier stance, when he suggested Ukraine could regain all its territories, including Crimea. Trump is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks, though no exact date has been confirmed.

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.