Pakistan has successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, H-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, calling it a “significant milestone” in the country’s space program. Hyperspectral satellites can detect subtle chemical and material changes on Earth’s surface, making them invaluable for monitoring crop quality, managing water resources, and assessing natural disaster damage. SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan stated that the satellite’s data will revolutionize agricultural productivity, enhance climate resilience, and optimize the management of vital natural resources. The launch reflects Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and its long-standing peaceful cooperation with China. This year alone, Pakistan has successfully deployed three satellites, with EO-1 and KS-1 already fully operational, signaling a strong push forward in its national space ambitions.

In response to a series of recent devastating fire incidents across the country, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued an urgent safety directive for all educational institutions. Teachers, officers, and staff of government and private schools, colleges, and district and upazila education offices are instructed to ensure that all electrical switches, lights, fans, and computers are turned off before leaving their rooms. Air conditioner plugs must also be disconnected to prevent accidents. The notice emphasizes careful verification of these safety measures to minimize the risk of fire hazards. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including a fire at a chemical warehouse in Shialbari, Mirpur that killed 16 people, a prolonged fire at a towel factory in Chattogram’s EPZ, and a severe blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo section on October 18. The DSHE aims to enhance vigilance and prevent further loss of life and property.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to India, threatening to impose massive tariffs on Indian goods if the country does not stop importing oil from Russia. According to Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him that India would halt Russian oil purchases, but he warned that if India continued, it would face huge tariffs. Washington has been increasing pressure on countries maintaining trade with Russia, arguing that such commerce indirectly funds Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Tariffs on Indian goods have already been raised to 50 percent earlier this year, covering a broad range of products from textiles to pharmaceuticals. Trump has repeatedly stated that these tariffs will remain or increase if India does not comply. So far, the Modi government has not made any public statement on Trump’s remarks or clarified its stance on Russian oil imports.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, calling his recent Facebook post “vague and misleading.” In his post, Nahid Islam criticized Jamaat’s movement for proportional representation (PR), describing it as a “planned political deception” intended to derail genuine constitutional reform efforts following the July uprising. Responding to the criticism, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its media department, Ehsanul Mahbub (Jubair), said Nahid’s comments were “false, baseless, and regrettable.” He asserted that Jamaat had demonstrated its firm stance in both the Consensus Commission discussions and street movements to secure legal recognition for the July National Charter. Mahbub urged Nahid Islam to refrain from making such “misleading and immature” statements that could confuse the public. The exchange highlights growing tensions among political groups over the proposed PR system and broader reform agendas.

The government has announced that tourist visits to Saint Martin’s Island will resume on November 1 after a nine-month suspension aimed at protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. However, Environment and Forest Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan clarified that a final decision on allowing tourists to stay overnight has not yet been made. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday (October 19), she said the issue will be settled after discussions with the Ministry of Tourism. The extended travel ban had severely impacted the island’s tourism-dependent economy, leaving ships idle and workers unemployed. Officials said the restrictions were part of a broader plan to safeguard the island’s biodiversity and transform Saint Martin’s into a sustainable, community-centered tourist destination that balances environmental protection with local livelihoods.

Although a ceasefire officially took effect in Gaza last Friday, Israeli attacks have persisted, resulting in at least 97 Palestinian deaths and over 230 injuries, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office and Al Jazeera. The office reported that Israel has violated the truce agreement 80 times since it began. Israel claims its recent strikes were in retaliation for alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas, but Hamas has denied the accusations. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire remains in effect and that Washington is ensuring the situation stays calm. French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks urging immediate humanitarian relief for Palestinians and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Both leaders emphasized working together toward a two-state solution. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 68,000 Palestinians and injured more than 170,000.

The interim government of Bangladesh is set to introduce a new national pay structure for public servants, aiming to implement it within its current tenure. A National Pay Commission has already been formed and will submit final recommendations by December. The new framework proposes significant changes in salaries and allowances, including the introduction of a “Consolidated Salary” system that eliminates separate financial and non-financial benefits. The reform also targets the removal of various honorariums paid to officials for attending meetings, seminars, and training sessions—benefits costing the state nearly Tk 1,000 crore annually. The proposed minimum salary is Tk 25,000, with the maximum set at Tk 150,000. Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that necessary funds will be allocated in the revised budget, and implementation could begin early next year after the gazette is published.

BNP central leader and former state minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has accused the Awami League government of systematically destroying Bangladesh’s education system during its 15 and a half years in power. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Future Strategy for the Upcoming National Election” organized by the Zia Parishad Natore District branch, Dulu said that during BNP’s tenure, the party established a corruption-free education system to create a proud, educated generation. He claimed that under Awami League rule, even students who didn’t study were shown as passing exams, undermining the sector’s integrity. Dulu further alleged that the ruling party appointed loyalists to key educational posts, promoting corruption and favoritism. He pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will restore honesty in education and ensure fair opportunities for teachers and students alike.

Police have detained Mahir Rahman, one of the accused in the murder of Jagannath University student Md. Zobayed Hossain, after his mother brought him to Bangshal Police Station early Monday (October 20). Zobayed, a 2019–20 Statistics Department student and a member of the JnU Chhatra Dal convening committee, was killed on Sunday afternoon at a house in Armanitola, where he used to tutor a student named Barsha. His bloodied body was found on a staircase, and CCTV footage showed two young men fleeing the scene. Zobayed’s family accused five people, including Barsha, her parents, Mahir, and Mahir’s friend Nafis, but alleged that police delayed filing the case and advised them to reduce the number of accused. Protesting students blocked Tatibazar intersection, demanding immediate arrests. Jagannath University authorities have declared two days of mourning and postponed all events scheduled for University Day on October 22.

The United States has been swept by outrage after President Donald Trump posted a fake video on his Truth Social platform showing himself as “King Trump.” In the video, Trump appears crowned and flying a private jet labeled “King Trump,” releasing brown, waste-like liquid onto protesters below while the song “Danger Zone” plays in the background. The video surfaced on the same day as the “No Kings” demonstrations, when thousands of Americans in all 50 states rallied with placards reading “I pledge allegiance to no king,” condemning Trump’s alleged authoritarianism. Later that night, the White House’s official account posted an AI-generated image showing Trump and Vice President JD Vance wearing crowns, captioned, “Good night, everyone.” Critics across the political spectrum called the posts offensive and divisive, while the White House dismissed the controversy with spokesperson Abigail Jackson’s brief remark: “Who cares?”

Following intense airstrikes across the Gaza Strip that left at least 45 Palestinians dead, Israel has announced the reinstatement of a ceasefire. According to the Times of Israel, Israeli forces launched heavy attacks throughout Sunday (October 19) after claiming that two soldiers were killed and three seriously wounded in a Hamas assault near Rafah. Hamas, however, denied any involvement in the incident. Despite that, Israeli forces continued bombings in several parts of Gaza. Later in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared that the ceasefire was being re-enforced based on “political-level instructions” following a series of operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, Gaza’s media office reported that since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israeli forces have violated it at least 80 times, killing 97 Palestinians and injuring over 230. Gaza’s Health Ministry states that since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed 68,159 Palestinians and injured 170,203 others.

The defense arguments have commenced in the war crimes and genocide case filed against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, related to the July-August student and public uprising. On Monday, October 20, state-appointed defense lawyer Md. Amir Hossain began presenting arguments on behalf of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. The prosecution concluded its arguments last Thursday, the fifth consecutive day of proceedings. Following that, the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, scheduled the defense phase for today. A total of 54 witnesses, including the investigation officer, journalist Mahmudur Rahman, and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, testified for the prosecution. However, due to two key accused remaining absconding, no defense witnesses were presented. Meanwhile, testimony is also being heard today in another case at Tribunal-2 concerning the Ashulia six-body burning incident.

A state-of-the-art 230/33 kV high-voltage GIS substation is being built in Charfashion, Bhola, marking a major milestone for Bangladesh’s coastal power infrastructure. Jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh, ADB, and the Climate Fund—at a cost of about Tk 400 crore—the project is being implemented by Reverie Power & Automation Engineering Ltd (Bangladesh) and China’s SPTDE. Once operational in December 2025, the substation will ensure uninterrupted electricity, reduce low-voltage issues and system loss, and open doors for industrial and economic development in the region. Power from Shahbazpur gas plant (425 MW daily) will reach the grid via fiber cables that can also deliver high-speed internet. Locals anticipate new industries, jobs, and improved living standards. The modern facility includes lightning protection, 125 transmission towers, and enhanced disaster resilience—promising a new era of growth for the southern coastal belt.

An old video showing a fire on the passenger launch Mayur-7 at Dhaka’s Sadarghat has gone viral on Facebook, falsely presented as a recent incident. The footage actually dates back to June 30, 2023, when 13 fire service units brought the blaze under control within an hour. Officials, including then-duty officer Khaleda Yasmin, confirmed that the fire was swiftly contained, though details of casualties and losses were uncertain at the time. Recently, social media users have been spreading the old video, matching it with minor fire incidents to mislead the public. Local residents claim certain political groups are using the footage to spread propaganda and stir instability. Both Sadarghat police and fire service officials confirmed that no such fire occurred recently and urged citizens to verify information before sharing.

A Dhaka court has directed law enforcement authorities to identify and take legal action against the administrators and financial operators behind online pornography groups. The directive follows a news report titled “Thousands of Young Women’s Nude Videos Sold on Telegram”, published in a national daily. Taking the report into judicial notice under Section 190(1)(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jakir Hossain ordered the Deputy Commissioner of DB Police’s Cyber and Special Crime Division to appoint a skilled investigation officer. The court further instructed that a case be filed based on the findings, and progress reports must be submitted every 15 days. Both journalists who published the report have been directed to assist in the investigation. The final report is due by November 30. SI Rukunuzzaman of the prosecution confirmed the court’s order.