A school bus driver who was critically injured in an arson attack in Manikganj’s Shibaloy upazila has died three days after the incident. The victim, Parvez Khan, 45, from Baraibhikra area of Sadar upazila, succumbed to his injuries at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday morning. The attack occurred late Friday night when unidentified miscreants set fire to a stationary bus belonging to Holy Child School and College in the Falsatia area. Parvez, who was inside the bus at the time, suffered severe burns. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack and searching for those responsible. The incident has sparked concern among local residents and school authorities over the safety of school transport in the area.

Tens of thousands of Filipinos continued demonstrations in Manila for a second consecutive day, demanding accountability for alleged corruption in government flood-mitigation projects. The protests, organized by the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo church, began Sunday and drew over 600,000 participants nationwide. Protesters voiced frustration at what they see as ineffective investigations into irregularities revealed by an internal audit ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August. The audit uncovered serious anomalies in flood-control projects, implicating public works officials, lawmakers, and construction executives accused of profiting from substandard or non-existent infrastructure. The scandal has shaken investor confidence and contributed to slower economic growth. Marcos has established a commission to probe the allegations and pledged that those responsible will face jail before Christmas. Demonstrators, however, remain skeptical, citing delays and a lack of visible accountability nearly 100 days after the inquiry began.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has described the upcoming national election and referendum as a historic and decisive event, calling it a 'battle to save the nation' rather than a routine vote. Addressing 64 district commissioners at his office, he emphasized the need for absolute honesty, neutrality, and dedication in carrying out their duties. Yunus highlighted that this election follows a mass uprising and will determine the country's trajectory for the next century. He urged officials to ensure a peaceful and festive atmosphere, noting the participation of many young and female voters who have been unable to vote for the past 15 years. International observers, he said, are showing great interest in the process. The Chief Adviser stressed that success in this election is essential to fulfill the promises of the recent uprising and to secure the nation’s democratic future.

Authorities in Bandarban’s Thanchi upazila recovered the body of a missing tourist, Md Iqbal Hossain, 48 hours after he slipped and fell into the Nafakhum waterfall. The 25-year-old, a resident of Demra in Dhaka, had been visiting the remote area with a group of 17 people on Friday when the accident occurred. Local sources said the group entered the restricted waterfall zone without a local guide, violating travel restrictions. Following his disappearance, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, fire service personnel, and divers launched a joint rescue operation. The body was recovered around 3:55 pm on Sunday and later handed over to Thanchi police for legal procedures. Officials confirmed that the body would be returned to the victim’s family after necessary formalities. The incident has raised renewed concerns about tourist safety and compliance with travel restrictions in the remote hill district.

New Zealand’s Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that Uber drivers should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors, marking a major legal victory for gig economy workers. The unanimous decision dismissed Uber’s appeal against a 2022 Employment Court ruling involving four drivers represented by two unions. The court’s judgment could enable thousands of Uber drivers in New Zealand to claim full employment rights, including back pay and benefits such as minimum wage, paid leave, and the right to collective bargaining. The Workers First Union welcomed the ruling, saying it sets a precedent for fairer treatment of gig workers. Uber expressed disappointment, warning that the decision could have broad implications for contracting arrangements across the country. Despite the ruling, Uber said its operations in New Zealand would continue as usual for now. The case aligns New Zealand with similar legal developments in countries like the United Kingdom, where courts have also recognized Uber drivers as employees.

India has signed a significant energy agreement with the United States to import 2.2 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) annually, accounting for about 10% of Delhi’s total LPG consumption. The deal comes amid ongoing pressure from Washington over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and recent trade frictions, including US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Despite these tensions, both nations continue dialogue on energy and trade cooperation. Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the deal as the first LPG supply agreement between the two countries, emphasizing India’s goal of diversifying energy sources to ensure affordable and secure fuel for its population. The agreement also opens the rapidly growing Indian LPG market to US suppliers. Analysts note that while India’s economy has recently shown strong growth, high US tariffs remain a concern that could slow GDP expansion if not reduced soon.

Sajeeb Wazed, son and adviser to ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warned that supporters of the Awami League would block February’s national election if the party’s ban remains in place. His comments came a day before a Dhaka court was set to deliver a televised verdict expected to convict Hasina in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity linked to a deadly 2024 crackdown on student protests. Wazed claimed the verdict was predetermined and politically motivated, suggesting the court might sentence his mother to death. Hasina, currently in exile in New Delhi under Indian protection, denies all allegations. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus rejected claims of bias, asserting the trial’s transparency. Political tensions have escalated in Dhaka, with multiple bomb blasts and arson attacks reported. Authorities have tightened security as the Awami League vows to resist elections without its participation, raising fears of renewed violence across Bangladesh.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington may open discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Caracas amid heightened regional tensions. The remarks came as the U.S. expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and additional warships as part of an anti-narcotics campaign. Trump also indicated that the U.S. would designate the alleged Venezuelan drug organization Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist group, accusing Maduro of leading it—an allegation he denies. The administration has reportedly held internal meetings to consider possible military actions against Venezuela. Despite suggesting openness to dialogue, Trump emphasized continued pressure on Maduro, citing efforts to curb drug trafficking into the U.S. Human rights groups have criticized recent U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats as unlawful, while allies express concern over potential violations of international law. A recent poll showed limited American support for military intervention in Venezuela.

Bangladesh has deployed heavy security forces across Dhaka ahead of a landmark verdict against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly crackdown on student-led protests. The International Crimes Tribunal is expected to announce its decision within hours, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2023 after weeks of violent unrest that toppled her government, denies ordering any violence. Police have set up checkpoints, detained several Awami League supporters, and reported multiple crude bomb explosions in recent days. The proceedings have drawn intense attention both domestically and internationally, with observers warning that any verdict—guilty or acquittal—could trigger fresh unrest. India, where Hasina remains in exile, faces diplomatic pressure over Dhaka’s extradition request. The outcome is seen as pivotal for Bangladesh’s political future and its relations with India.

Bangladesh is on high alert as a special tribunal in Dhaka prepares to deliver its verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity. The 78-year-old leader, along with two senior officials, faces accusations of orchestrating a violent crackdown on student-led protests last year over a controversial government job quota system that left around 1,400 people dead. Arrest warrants were issued in June after Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan failed to appear in court. Formal charges were framed on July 10, and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun confessed the same day, agreeing to testify for the prosecution. The tribunal heard testimony from August 3 to October 8, followed by final arguments in mid-October. The verdict, scheduled for November 17, is expected to have significant political and social implications for the country.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to deliver its verdict today in the high-profile case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others for alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, will issue the first-ever verdict against a former head of government for genocide in Bangladesh’s history. According to prosecutor Gazi Monowar, Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both fugitives, will not be eligible to appeal the verdict as the right to appeal applies only to convicted persons in custody. The prosecution has demanded the maximum punishment for Hasina and Kamal, while the only detained accused, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, has turned state witness. Legal experts note that gender or health conditions do not grant any special consideration under the tribunal’s law when determining punishment.

Former US ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty described the upcoming verdict concerning ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as highly significant for the country’s political trajectory. Speaking to BBC Bangla, Moriarty noted that the Awami League’s uninterrupted 15-year rule was unprecedented since Bangladesh’s independence. He observed that the party had amended the constitution and altered the legal framework to consolidate power, but the current situation indicates a shift in the political landscape. Moriarty suggested that if Hasina is convicted, limited violence could occur, though it is unlikely to escalate. Conversely, if she is acquitted, he predicted widespread protests due to what he termed a prevailing sense of vengeance in the country. He added that Awami League members now face a critical juncture in determining their future political role as Bangladesh enters a period of uncertainty.

In Gopalganj’s Kashiani upazila, activists of the banned Chhatra League briefly blocked the Dhaka-Khulna highway on Monday morning as part of a shutdown program. The protesters used tree trunks to obstruct traffic near Tilchhara Bazar around 7:45 a.m., causing vehicles to be stranded on both sides of the road for about 20 minutes. Videos of the blockade were later shared on social media. Upon receiving information, police from Kashiani station arrived at the scene, prompting the protesters to flee. Officers then removed the tree trunks and restored normal traffic flow. According to Kashiani Police Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain, the group attempted to enforce the blockade but dispersed quickly after noticing police presence, failing to sustain the protest.

BNP leaders and activists in Shibchar, Madaripur, took position on the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway on Monday to prevent potential unrest and ensure public safety amid political tensions involving the Awami League. Led by district BNP joint convener Sajjad Hossain Siddiqui Lablu, the demonstration aimed to stop any violence or sabotage linked to the verdict in a war crimes case. BNP representatives stated that they would not tolerate instability or arson and were determined to maintain peace. Despite the gathering, traffic on both sides of the highway remained normal, and no untoward incidents were reported until noon. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, police, RAB, and four platoons of BGB, have been deployed across Madaripur to strengthen security and prevent possible violence around the verdict announcement.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal is set to announce its verdict today in a landmark case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, will convene at 11 a.m. amid heightened national and international attention. The prosecution alleges that Hasina directly ordered security forces and ruling party affiliates to suppress anti-discrimination student protests, resulting in over 1,500 deaths and 25,000 injuries. The charges include conspiracy, incitement, genocide, and systematic persecution. Specific incidents cited include the killing of students in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area and the burning of bodies in Ashulia. This marks the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a head of government faces such charges before the International Crimes Tribunal. Relatives of victims, student leaders, and activists have gathered at the tribunal premises in anticipation of the verdict, which is expected to have far-reaching political and social implications.