U.S. President Donald Trump praised Qatar for its crucial role in implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement and promoting peace in the Middle East. During a meeting aboard Air Force One in Doha on Saturday, en route to the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Trump met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Trump highlighted the “incredible progress” made together over the past year toward establishing regional peace, thanking Qatar for its leadership. He hinted that Qatari forces could participate in ensuring a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The Qatari Emir later posted on X that the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss peace plans, the Gaza truce progress, and bilateral strategic cooperation. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that forming a multinational peacekeeping force in Gaza might require UN or international authorization.

Catherine Connolly, a prominent left-wing politician, has won Ireland’s presidential election in a landslide, securing 63% of the vote against her right-wing rival Heather Humphreys, who received 29.5%. The official results were declared on Saturday evening after votes from all 43 constituencies were counted. In her victory speech, Connolly vowed to be a president who listens, reflects, and speaks when necessary, calling for unity in building “a new republic that values everyone.” Humphreys graciously conceded, expressing confidence that Connolly would represent all citizens. The 68-year-old’s campaign strongly resonated with young voters, particularly for her outspoken stance on social justice and her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Backed by a coalition of left-wing opposition parties, Connolly’s triumph marks a significant political shift in Ireland, signaling growing support for progressive and inclusive leadership.

Bangladeshi architect Mohammad Rezwan has won the UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025 for his groundbreaking solar-powered floating school project, known as Shidhulai Floating School. Supported by the Chinese government, the award honors global innovations promoting literacy and lifelong learning. Selected among hundreds of nominations worldwide, Rezwan’s initiative was recognized alongside projects from Ireland and Morocco. The award ceremony took place in Qufu, China, the birthplace of Confucius. Inspired by his childhood in flood-prone Chalan Beel, Rezwan transformed local boats into mobile schools, enabling year-round education for isolated communities. These floating schools also serve as libraries and training centers powered by renewable energy. UNESCO praised the project for delivering literacy to marginalized flood-affected populations using locally built, sustainable solutions. The Shidhulai model now influences NGOs and governments across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and has been integrated into Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan 2050.

Poet and editor of Dainik Jugantor, Abdul Hai Shikder, stated that over the last 15 years, many poets in Bangladesh have merely acted as “praisers,” misleading the nation instead of guiding it. He urged the public to remain cautious about such writers. He made these remarks on Saturday at a discussion titled “The Role of Poets and Writers in Nation Building” held at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The event was inaugurated jointly by former Justice Abdus Salam Mamun and poet Mousumi Mou, with Additional Secretary Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain presiding. Noted discussants included philosopher-poet Kumar Sushanta Sarkar, Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, poet Mirza Kamal, and Brigadier General Nazma Begum Naju. Speakers emphasized that poets and writers must help shape moral consciousness and cultural integrity to strengthen the nation.

The re-evaluation results of this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations are expected to be published on November 16, according to officials of the Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. The results follow the rule that mandates publication within 30 days of the re-evaluation application deadline. The application process for re-evaluation—also known as the “script challenge”—was conducted online only this year, starting on October 17 and ending on October 23. Unlike previous years, no applications were accepted via SMS or through any education offices. The original HSC and equivalent results were released on October 16, showing a pass rate of 58.83%, significantly lower than last year’s 77.78%. A total of 69,097 students achieved GPA-5 this year, while 12,51,111 candidates participated under 11 education boards across the country.

Tension erupted in Bhola’s New Market area on Saturday afternoon when an eviction drive targeting illegal shops on municipal land turned violent. According to Bhola Municipality Administrator Md. Mizanur Rahman, agitated traders protesting the demolition of their unauthorized establishments set fire to three municipal trucks used for garbage and goods transport. Before locals could control the blaze, the vehicles’ bodies and engines were severely damaged. Witnesses said the fire was deliberately started on trucks carrying dismantled shop materials, and the attackers prevented anyone from approaching. District Commissioner Md. Azad Jahan visited the scene shortly afterward and announced that the incident would be investigated. Many residents criticized the delayed police response, noting that the violence occurred near the police station. Bhola Model Police Station’s OC Md. Hachnain Parvez said police were unaware of the eviction drive but will take legal action once a complaint is filed.

Three people, including a BNP activist, were injured in an alleged attack led by a local Jubo League leader in Gournadi, Barishal, following a dispute over a theft accusation. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Friday inside and outside the Nathai Mohammadia Jame Mosque. The injured are BNP activist Syed Abdul Alim (62), his wife Mrs. Lia (51), and their son Syed Tawsin Islam (15). According to the victims, the assault was led by Syed Mehedi Sulav, a Union Parishad member and joint secretary of the Gournadi Upazila Jubo League, after a quarrel involving the cutting of a tree. Mrs. Lia claimed Sulav and his associates attacked her husband, and when she and her son tried to intervene, they too were beaten. Police confirmed receiving a written complaint and said legal action would follow pending investigation. Sulav denied the allegations, claiming self-defense.

A political controversy has gripped Gazipur after a video showing BNP leader and Gazipur City BNP President Md. Shawkat Hossain Sarker receiving money from a car sale was misrepresented on social media as an “extortion collection.” The video, allegedly edited and spread with ill intent, quickly went viral, sparking outrage among local BNP activists. According to party sources, Shawkat had mediated a legitimate car sale between his son and Afzal, brother of ruling party councilor Abbas Uddin, for a price of Tk 10 lakh. The payment, made in three installments, was recorded as part of the sale. However, the footage was later distorted and circulated to damage Shawkat’s political image. Following the viral post, BNP activists staged protest rallies across Gazipur on Friday night and Saturday, demanding exemplary punishment for those behind the smear campaign. Shawkat condemned the act, calling it a politically motivated conspiracy.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering launching military strikes against suspected cocaine production sites and trafficking routes inside Venezuela, according to three senior American officials quoted by CNN. The move is part of Washington’s broader anti-narcotics strategy, though no final decision has been made. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already ordered the deployment of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group to the Caribbean, alongside thousands of troops, as tensions rise in the region. Intelligence sources confirm the CIA has been granted authority to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. While the Trump administration has suspended direct diplomatic talks with President Nicolás Maduro, officials insist that diplomatic solutions remain on the table. Some advisers view potential strikes as a way to weaken Maduro’s hold on power. However, large-scale military action would likely require consultation with Congress, amid growing international concern about possible escalation in Latin America.

A youth front activist, Md. Alamgir (55), was shot dead by terrorists in Raozan, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM near Kaykobbad Ahmad Chowdhury Jame Mosque in Charabattola area under Raozan Municipality’s Ward No. 9. Alamgir, a follower of former MP and BNP leader Golam Akbar Khondker, was returning home after attending a family meeting on a land dispute when a group of armed men on motorcycles opened fire on him. He died on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Another man, Md. Riaz (30), was seriously injured and admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Alamgir’s family accused known local criminals of the killing but did not immediately file a case. Police suspect the attack stemmed from a previous enmity and have launched an investigation to arrest the culprits.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lauded Bangladesh Bank for its success in boosting the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Thomas Helbling, Deputy Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, praised the achievement during a press briefing in Hong Kong on October 24. He emphasized that increasing reserves remains a central objective under the IMF-supported program, particularly as Bangladesh continues to face balance of payments pressures. According to IMF data, Bangladesh’s reserves rose to $27.35 billion as of October 16, 2025, compared to $19.93 billion a year earlier. Helbling highlighted that such improvement is vital for ensuring external stability and maintaining confidence in the economy. He also confirmed that an IMF mission will visit Bangladesh this month to conduct the fifth review of the $5.5 billion loan program, assessing both reserve management progress and consistency with the central bank’s exchange rate policy.

Hefazat-e-Islam has urged the Bangladeshi government to investigate the activities of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), claiming that some of its operations may raise questions regarding national security and communal harmony. In a statement issued Saturday evening, Hefazat’s Joint Secretary-General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi alleged that ISKCON is conducting religious and infrastructural activities across Bangladesh without proper registration or government approval. He referenced earlier reports suggesting that individuals involved in controversial incidents had alleged links to ISKCON and demanded that these claims be verified through official inquiry. Maulana Azizul emphasized that Bangladesh is a secular nation where all religious communities should coexist peacefully and that religious organizations must act responsibly to maintain harmony. ISKCON leaders have not commented on the latest allegations, though the group has previously maintained that it engages solely in social, humanitarian, and spiritual work, rejecting any connection to extremist activities.

Kirill Dmitriev, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has announced that Moscow is “very close” to reaching a diplomatic settlement with Washington and Kyiv to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to CNN after arriving in Washington for meetings with U.S. officials, Dmitriev confirmed that a planned meeting between Putin and President Donald Trump has not been canceled and will take place at a later date. He emphasized that discussions continue despite new U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. European diplomats indicate that the EU is preparing a new ceasefire proposal consistent with previous frameworks, keeping the U.S. as the main mediator. Dmitriev also highlighted that Ukrainian President Zelensky’s acknowledgment of frontline realities could help build a bridge between the conflicting parties. He warned that sanctions might inadvertently raise gasoline prices in the U.S.

A four-nation expert team comprising specialists from the United Kingdom, Australia, China, and Turkey will assist Bangladesh in investigating the recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo village. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the team will help determine whether any negligence or mismanagement was involved. He praised the Fire Service for their timely response, noting that airport fire units reached the scene within four minutes, followed by other units within 20 minutes. The blaze spread rapidly because the area contained mostly food products. Discussions are ongoing to activate electronic gates at the airport, and measures will be taken to ease passport-related issues for expatriate workers. Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq and other officials were also present during the inspection.

Israel is witnessing an unprecedented wave of emigration, described as a “tsunami” by Knesset member Gilad Kariv, amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the recent West Bank settlement bill. A Knesset report shows that from early 2022 to mid-2024, over 125,000 Israeli settlers have permanently left the country, marking the largest human resource loss in Israel’s modern history. Analysts warn that Israel’s genocidal operations in Gaza, which killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians, have likely fueled this surge. Annual emigration numbers, previously averaging around 40,500, spiked to 59,400 in 2022 and 82,800 in 2023. The trend appears to continue into 2025, reflecting growing insecurity and disillusionment among citizens. Despite a fragile ceasefire, ongoing attacks on civilians have cast uncertainty over future peace prospects in the region.