For the first time in twenty years, Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has given an interview to a media outlet. BBC Bangla announced on Sunday, October 5, that it would air the exclusive two-part interview on October 6 and 7 at 9 a.m. on its website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. In the interview, Tarique discussed national politics, elections, and various current affairs. Exiled in London for nearly seventeen years, he has been leading BNP virtually but had never before spoken directly to the press. His first public media appearance has generated significant curiosity among BNP supporters and the general public. The interview follows the lifting of a High Court ban imposed during the previous Awami League government, which had restricted media broadcasts of Tarique Rahman’s statements until August 5, 2024.

On the eve of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, acting president and candidate Aminul Islam addressed the media, breaking his recent silence. He described the event not as an election issue but as the outgoing board’s final interaction with journalists. Aminul, who took charge four months ago, highlighted the board’s visible progress in a short time. However, controversy has overshadowed the election process, with allegations of government interference, candidate withdrawals, and claims of predetermined outcomes. Responding to questions about the election’s integrity, Aminul said it was the Election Commission’s role to judge whether it was fair, acknowledging “ups and downs” in any vote. He dismissed allegations of influence by sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, stating he only offered support. Aminul reiterated his commitment to cricket and constitutional procedures, saying he would step aside if deemed unfit. With many candidates withdrawing, the election appears largely uncontested.

The Nobel Prize season has officially begun, with the announcement of this year’s laureates starting today. Following tradition, the Nobel Prize in Medicine will be revealed first, with the winners of Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economics to be announced on subsequent days. While five of the prizes are declared from Stockholm, Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize is announced from Oslo, Norway. The awards are presented in the name of Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, and funded through his estate. The Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 1901, making them among the most prestigious and valuable recognitions in the world. The Economics Prize, introduced in 1968, is now awarded alongside the original five categories and holds equal status. Winners receive a gold medal, certificate, and a cash prize of 11 million Swedish kronor. The awards ceremony will take place on December 10, marking Nobel’s death anniversary.

At least 39 people have died in floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Nepal since Friday, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters. The Koshi Province has been the worst affected, recording 36 deaths, while Madhesh Province reported three fatalities. In Ilam district alone, 27 people died in landslides, with five still missing. Other casualties include two deaths in Udayapur, one in Khotang from lightning, and injuries in Bhojpur and Makwanpur. Six people were also killed in a road accident in Panchthar. Additional deaths occurred in Bara, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, and Ranihat of Madhesh due to floods or lightning strikes. Authorities fear the toll may rise as continuous rainfall hampers rescue and relief operations. The government has urged residents in high-risk areas to remain cautious amid forecasts of further heavy downpours.

The final witness in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex–Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will be cross-examined today (October 6) by state-appointed defense lawyer Md Amir Hossain before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. The witness, chief investigator Md Alamgir, earlier testified about the July–August massacre, claiming killings occurred in 438 locations across 41 districts, with deadly weapons used in more than 50 districts. He cited evidence of 305,000 bullets fired on protesters and video footage documenting the brutality. His statements, broadcast nationally and internationally, implicated Hasina and Kamal as responsible for crimes against humanity. Following this final cross-examination, the tribunal will proceed to arguments and verdict. A total of 54 witnesses have testified in the 25-day-long proceedings, detailing large-scale violence, state involvement, and appeals for exemplary punishment from victims’ families.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Advocate Abu Sayeed Sagar after rejecting his bail plea in a case filed over alleged vote rigging, attacks, and attempted murder of BNP-backed lawyers at the Supreme Court. The order was issued on Sunday by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Sabbir Foyez, following a hearing where the prosecution opposed bail. According to Additional Public Prosecutor Azizul Haque Didar, Sagar surrendered before the court seeking bail but was sent to jail after the plea was denied. The case was filed on August 14 by Supreme Court Bar Association official Md Rabiul Islam, naming former Law Minister Anisul Huq and 74 others as accused. The allegations stem from violent incidents on March 14–15, 2023, where pro-BNP lawyers were reportedly attacked, injured, and subjected to harassment by police and ruling-party supporters inside the Bar Association premises.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) held a political discussion in Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar on Saturday evening, addressing the legal foundation of the July Charter, proportional representation in the upper house, and accountability for the July and Shapla killings. The meeting was led by NCP’s senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib and Khelafat Andolan’s Amir Maulana Habibullah Miaji, joined by top leaders from both parties. Both groups expressed consensus on suspending the activities of the ruling alliance and seeking justice for political violence. They also emphasized working together against foreign or domestic hegemony to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty, human rights, and independence. The dialogue marked a step toward building broader political understanding among parties sharing anti-imperialist values and aspirations for democratic reform.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced the launch of a National Green Mission, outlining a bold environmental and urban reform agenda aimed at creating a sustainable Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on Sunday night (October 5), he pledged to plant 250 million trees, restore rivers, transform waste into resources, modernize agriculture, and expand investment in renewable energy. He also highlighted the importance of developing coastal economies to empower youth and reduce Dhaka-centric growth by promoting balanced urbanization across regions. Emphasizing housing as a fundamental human right, he underscored that environmental stability is essential for national prosperity. On World Habitat Day, Rahman reaffirmed BNP’s 31-point plan as a roadmap for solving national challenges, particularly focusing on climate protection and planned urban decentralization. He urged collective effort to safeguard the nation’s environment and future.

The prosecution has officially begun an investigation against the Awami League as a political organization for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. This marks the first time a major political party in Bangladesh faces possible trial under the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed that preliminary evidence collection is underway, based on allegations filed by the National Democratic Movement (NDM). The prosecution claims that party leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, issued directives leading to mass killings during the protests. A formal charge has already been filed against four senior party members, including joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif. The amended tribunal law now allows punishment for political parties and affiliated organizations involved in such crimes. The tribunal will decide soon whether to accept the charges for formal trial proceedings.

A Gaza-bound aid vessel named Consonance, carrying renowned Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam along with journalists, doctors, and human rights activists, was reportedly overflown by a military aircraft on Sunday afternoon while sailing through the Mediterranean Sea. During a Facebook Live broadcast from the ship, activist William Alexander described the plane as a “large military aircraft” that circled several times before flying directly overhead. Though not confirmed, passengers believe it was an Israeli jet attempting to intimidate the mission. Despite the tense moment, crew members urged calm, emphasizing the ship’s peaceful mission to deliver medical supplies to Gaza. Captain Madelaine Habib expressed hope of reaching Gaza safely and called for a permanent maritime corridor for Palestinians. Filmmaker Tom Hayes urged global unity for Palestinian freedom. The voyage is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Thousand Madelines to Gaza initiative, aiming to break Israel’s blockade.

In Dohar upazila of Dhaka, a blind man named Md. Babu Khan and his family have alleged that their 35-decimal ancestral land in Madhurchar Mouza has been illegally occupied. At a press conference on Sunday (October 5) at the Dohar Press Club, they accused Abu Junaid Biplob, a member of the local Awami Jubo League, retired Major Manzur Elahi, and deed writer Mashiur Rahman of forcibly taking possession of the property. Babu Khan stated that despite their family having been in possession of the land for around 60 years, the accused parties used false documents and influence to seize it. He also claimed that they face continuous threats and false cases while local authorities have ignored their pleas for justice. His wife, Razia Sultana, demanded proper investigation and return of their land, alleging that both police and army authorities have failed to provide assistance.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that anyone obstructing the establishment of a democratically elected government in Bangladesh is an enemy of the country’s democracy, independence, and sovereignty. Speaking at a citizens’ rally organized by the “Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon” on October 5 in front of the National Press Club, Dudu criticized the previous 15-year rule under Sheikh Hasina, calling it a “fascist and anti-people regime.” He alleged that Sheikh Hasina is currently in exile in India, which he described as an unfriendly nation sheltering a “genocidal ruler.” Dudu emphasized that true democracy can only be achieved through people’s votes and warned that any attempt to block an elected government would endanger the nation. He urged unity under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman to restore full democracy and protect Bangladesh’s independence.

Four French lawmakers detained in Israel after participating in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have begun a hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinians, according to their party, France Unbowed. The group’s leader, Manon Aubry, told French radio that the detainees — François Piquemal, Marie Mesmayer, Rima Hassan, and Emma Fourreau — are being held in harsh conditions, with over ten people in a single cell and limited access to water. Aubry said communication has been minimal, only through lawyers and the French consul. France Unbowed urged the French government to secure the lawmakers’ release. The four were among 30 French nationals arrested when Israel intercepted the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” a convoy of 45 ships attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in defiance of the blockade. The hunger strike highlights growing international concern over Israel’s treatment of pro-Palestinian activists and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The government has raised the housing allowance for MPO-listed teachers and staff by just Tk 500—from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,500—through a new directive issued by the Finance Division. However, teachers’ associations have rejected this increase as insufficient and announced a continuous protest in front of the National Press Club beginning October 12. They demand that housing allowances be set at 20% of basic pay and that medical allowances rise from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500. The Finance Division’s order, signed by Deputy Secretary Sharifunnesa, states the change will take effect once the relevant administrative ministry issues its approval. It also warns that any irregularities in payments will hold the disbursing authority accountable. Despite the official adjustment, teachers argue the increase fails to reflect rising living costs.

Former adviser and National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has alleged that several members of the current interim government’s advisory council have secretly aligned themselves with various political parties. In an interview with a private television channel, he said many advisers are now thinking about their own “safe exit” instead of serving the public interest. Nahid Islam criticized his past trust in civil society and political leaders, calling it a mistake, and argued that student leadership should have been strengthened instead. He accused some advisers of betraying the people’s movement and acting for personal benefit. According to him, certain advisers believe their power depends on political party support and fear they cannot sustain the government without it. He also mentioned that conspiracies to overthrow the interim government still exist. Nahid insisted that the presence of student leaders within the government prevented it from collapsing in its early months.