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.

A violent incident occurred at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Sunday afternoon, where several journalists were assaulted while covering the interview session of nomination seekers from Sylhet division. Reporters from Amar Desh, The Daily Star, Naya Diganta, and Jago News were among those attacked. Amar Desh reporter Zahidul Islam stated that he was filming when several individuals dragged him away, broke his mobile phone, and took his press card despite his explanation. Other journalists confirmed being harassed and expressed outrage over the attack, calling it unacceptable. Following the incident, a photo of one alleged attacker, identified as Faisal, was circulated on social media by reporters. Later in the evening, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement expressing regret, describing the attack as an unexpected misunderstanding and reaffirming the party’s respect for the media’s vital role in democracy.

Hamas has accused Israel of multiple violations of the ceasefire in Gaza, claiming that Israeli attacks have killed at least 46 Palestinians and injured over 130 since the truce was implemented. Half of the victims are reportedly children, women, and the elderly, including the entire Abu Shaban family. Hamas described these violations as deliberate targeting of civilians and an effort to undermine the ceasefire. The organization also claims Israel continues to block essential supplies such as food, medical equipment, and construction materials, while delaying the release of women and underage prisoners. Despite the challenges, Hamas says it remains fully committed to the truce and calls on mediators to ensure Israel adheres to the agreement. The ceasefire was brokered on October 10 as part of a phased U.S.-proposed plan, including prisoner exchanges and Gaza reconstruction.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have reached a new all-time high following another price hike announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The BAJUS Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring made the decision during a meeting held on Sunday. According to a notice signed by the committee chairman, Masudur Rahman, the price of 22-carat gold—the highest quality available—has been increased by Tk 1,050 per bhori (11.664 grams). With this adjustment, each bhori of 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 217,382. The association explained that the price hike was made in response to the rising cost of pure or raw gold in the local market. The new rates will officially take effect from Monday, October 20. This marks yet another historic peak for gold prices in the country, reflecting ongoing volatility in global and domestic precious metal markets.

MPO-affiliated teachers from private schools have announced an indefinite hunger strike starting Monday, October 20, demanding three major points, including a 20% salary increase and house rent allowance. The announcement was made by Delwar Hossain Azizi, secretary of the education nationalization coalition, at Mazar More near the High Court on Sunday. Following the announcement, teachers started a hunger march from the Central Shaheed Minar, remaining there until 5:00 pm. Meanwhile, the government has approved a 5% house rent allowance for private school teachers under the MPO scheme despite budget constraints, according to Finance Ministry orders issued Sunday. Education advisor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar urged teachers to return to classrooms while accepting the new allowance arrangement. The government’s decision marks a partial response to the teachers’ ongoing demands.