A tragic accident occurred in Dhaka’s Farmgate area when a bearing pad from the metro rail structure fell and fatally struck a pedestrian. The incident happened around 12:30 PM near the Krishibid Institute, according to Tejgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mobarak Hossain. The deceased has been identified as Abul Kalam Azad, a resident of Naria upazila in Shariatpur. Witnesses reported that Azad was walking along the footpath when the heavy pad suddenly fell from above, killing him instantly. Police arrived promptly at the scene and have sent the body for post-mortem examination. Initial investigations suggest that the bearing pad, which helps control vibrations in the metro structure, detached during train movement. Authorities have temporarily suspended metro operations in the area and initiated an inquiry. The incident has raised nationwide concerns over metro rail safety and maintenance practices.

Malaysian police arrested around 50 demonstrators on Saturday night during a motorcycle convoy protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur. The protesters, many carrying Palestinian flags, chanted slogans such as “Malaysia, wake up—chase Trump away!” and condemned America’s pro-Israel policies. The arrests occurred near Menara Tabung Haji, about 100 meters from the U.S. Embassy, where police set up a checkpoint. Protesters were instructed to walk their motorbikes to the Jalan Tun Razak Police Station, where their vehicles were seized. A day earlier, about 700 demonstrators gathered outside the embassy with placards reading “Go Home Trump” amid heavy police presence, including the Federal Reserve Unit. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had earlier defended inviting Trump to the upcoming ASEAN summit, stating Malaysia would continue voicing concerns over atrocities in Gaza. Police have warned that another planned protest near Ampang Park MRT Station is not authorized.

A Bangladeshi woman named Chenuara Begum (35) was seriously injured after being hit by gunfire originating from across the Myanmar border in Teknaf’s Hoikyang area on Saturday evening. The incident took place near the zero line in the Lambabil village of Baghghona. Local sources said Chenuara, wife of Akhtar Hossain, was struck in the leg while returning home. She was initially taken to a nearby health center and later transferred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehshan Uddin confirmed the shooting and said communication with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is ongoing to ensure public safety. Residents report hearing frequent gunfire from the Mongdu region of Myanmar in recent days. Security sources indicate the clashes involve the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups, prompting heightened surveillance along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

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.