Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the deployment of 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S surface-to-air missiles across the country amid rising tensions with the United States. Speaking on state television during a military event, Maduro emphasized that these portable, short-range defense systems can strike low-flying aircraft, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. He stated that the missiles have been positioned in all major defense zones — from the “last mountain to the last village.” The move comes as the U.S. has recently deployed 4,500 Marines and naval personnel in the Caribbean, citing anti-narcotics operations and regional security measures. However, Washington’s actions have drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers questioning their legality. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently revealed he authorized CIA covert missions in Venezuela, signaling possible American expansion of military activity in the region as part of efforts to pressure Maduro’s government.

What was meant to be a festival of light turned into a nightmare for many families in Madhya Pradesh, India. During Diwali celebrations, 14 children lost their eyesight permanently, and over 120 others suffered severe eye injuries after using homemade “carbide guns” — toy-like firecracker devices sold openly in local markets for just ₹150–₹200. These improvised explosive toys, made from plastic or tin pipes filled with gunpowder, match heads, and calcium carbide, cause violent explosions when ignited. The blasts released hot metal particles and toxic fumes that burned retinas and damaged irises beyond repair. Hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are overwhelmed with injured children. Authorities have arrested six people linked to illegal sales, while doctors warn that these are not toys but deadly explosives. Experts blame viral “firecracker gun challenges” on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube for fueling the dangerous craze.

China and Pakistan have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance educational cooperation and academic collaboration. The agreement was formalized between the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and Xinjiang University at a ceremony held in Urumqi, China. According to PIDE’s statement, both universities agreed to expand joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, and capacity-building projects. The discussions particularly emphasized strengthening cooperation within the frameworks of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Representing Pakistan, PIDE Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Javed highlighted that the MoU marks an important milestone in reinforcing educational and research ties between the two nations. The partnership is expected to open new avenues for innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and sustainable development in the region, reflecting the growing strategic and academic ties between China and Pakistan.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to hear the prosecution’s final arguments today in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and two other accused. Following the defense’s closing arguments on Wednesday, the prosecution began its rebuttal, which concludes today. Chief Prosecutor and the Attorney General are expected to present their statements before the tribunal reserves the case for verdict. Earlier, 54 witnesses — including victims’ families, survivors, and medical professionals — testified in connection with the July Movement incidents, describing acts of genocide, enforced disappearances, and killings allegedly carried out during Hasina’s rule. Among the witnesses, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun appeared as a state witness, shedding light on the directives and those responsible for implementing the atrocities. The prosecution claims that the evidence presented is sufficient to establish the defendants’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt in any international court.

Fifteen army officers accused in two cases of enforced disappearance and torture during the Awami League government, as well as one case related to the anti-discrimination movement in Rampura, have been transferred from prison to a sub-jail located inside the Dhaka Cantonment. The Ministry of Home Affairs declared the “MES Building No. 54” on Bashar Road as a temporary jail on October 12. According to prison regulations, their care remains under the Department of Prisons, with 35 security personnel assigned to the sub-jail. Each officer has a separate room equipped with basic furniture, a fan, and a daily newspaper. Meals are provided from the central jail, including bread and vegetables for breakfast; rice, lentils, vegetables, and fish or meat for lunch; and fish or meat with vegetables for dinner. Oversight will be conducted by senior prison officials, ensuring all operations comply with official prison rules.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has entered the third consecutive day of final appeal hearings regarding the reinstatement of the caretaker government system. The hearing began Thursday morning (October 23), led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed and a seven-member appellate bench. Earlier, on Wednesday, the legal team representing Badiul Alam Majumdar completed their arguments seeking restoration of the caretaker government from the 14th national election onward. During the session, the Chief Justice questioned whether reinstating such a system might undermine parliamentary authority. Lawyers for the petitioners argued that the verdict should clarify the constitutional position of an interim government in relation to upcoming elections. The review appeal follows the August 27 decision granting permission for appeal against the earlier verdict that annulled the caretaker system. The caretaker government provision was first introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996 and declared valid by the High Court in 2004.

Just a day after the planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was postponed, Moscow conducted a large-scale nuclear exercise involving intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. Kremlin officials released a video briefing showing military chief General Valery Gerasimov updating Putin on the drills. This move comes amid heightened global tensions and parallel NATO nuclear deterrence exercises. The meeting’s cancellation followed recent talks between both nations’ foreign ministers, with both sides emphasizing the need for “meaningful preparations” before any summit. Sources told Reuters that Russia rejected Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan, insisting on full control over Ukraine’s Donbas region as a condition for peace. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy missile strikes overnight, killing six civilians in Kyiv, including two children. The European defense sector saw a surge in share prices following the diplomatic uncertainty.

The U.S. Department of State has once again excluded Bangladesh from the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program for 2026, continuing a multi-year restriction that prevents Bangladeshi citizens from applying. This means Bangladeshis, like in previous years, will not be eligible to participate in the lottery that offers permanent residency in the United States. According to the official DV-2026 guidelines, countries with high immigration rates to the U.S.—including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, and South Korea—are not eligible this year. The Diversity Visa program is designed for countries with historically low U.S. immigration levels, providing up to 55,000 green cards annually. While 31 Asian countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka remain eligible, Bangladesh’s continued exclusion highlights its significant immigration rate to the U.S. and brings disappointment to thousands hoping for a chance at the American dream.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has announced a significant policy change regarding driving licenses in Bangladesh. Advisor to the ministry, Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, revealed that all drivers must complete a mandatory 60-hour training program at an approved training center before receiving a driving license. Additionally, trainees will receive a stipend during their training period. The announcement was made on Wednesday (October 22) during a discussion marking National Road Safety Day 2025 in Tejgaon, Dhaka. Khan emphasized that untrained drivers are one of the main causes of road accidents and traffic congestion. He added that the existing licensing committee system will be abolished and replaced with a training-based model. The new approach aims to align Bangladesh’s system with international standards and ensure safer, more skilled drivers on the roads.

India has firmly denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to halt oil imports from Russia. The controversy follows Trump’s earlier statement crediting himself for de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions, which New Delhi also dismissed. India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no phone conversation took place between Modi and Trump, countering Trump’s assertion. Experts view this as a rare public diplomatic contradiction between the two nations, reflecting a shift toward more open and unpredictable diplomacy. Analysts suggest Trump’s remarks aim to pressure India to reduce its energy ties with Moscow, though India maintains that decisions will prioritize national interests. Despite U.S. pressure, India continues to buy about 35% of its oil from Russia. Observers note this episode highlights New Delhi’s balancing act between U.S. and Russian relations amid evolving global power equations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will engage in discussions with Bangladesh’s next elected government before releasing the next tranche of the $5.5 billion loan package, scheduled for December, according to Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur. Speaking from Washington, where he is attending the IMF–World Bank annual meetings, Mansur explained that the IMF made this decision in light of the upcoming national elections. Bangladesh has neither objected to nor endorsed the decision, as it currently faces no financial pressure. The Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining policy continuity rather than focusing solely on disbursement. He added that conducting a full review now would be premature, given the election period. The IMF’s Article IV mission will arrive in October for a partial assessment, with the final review expected in February, following the elections. So far, Bangladesh has received $3.6 billion of the pledged loan.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in Mashhad that Tehran will not return to talks with the United States so long as Washington maintains what he called "unreasonable" and "additional" demands. Araghchi blamed the collapse of previous negotiations on American demands that Iran considers unrealistic, saying such conditions preclude meaningful progress. He reaffirmed Tehran's refusal to accept talks framed around predetermined outcomes, echoing earlier comments by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that negotiations with the U.S. are futile when the other side seeks to dictate Iran's nuclear activities and even its missile capabilities. Araghchi warned that accepting such pressure would amount to surrendering Iran's right to self-defense. The remarks, reported by Mehr News on October 22, underscore Tehran’s insistence on negotiating without external preconditions and signal continued resistance to U.S. demands perceived as infringing on national sovereignty. Tehran indicated it remains open to dialogue only if demands become mutually acceptable.

A young man was killed on Wednesday morning after Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel opened fire during a clash with suspected smugglers in Sylhet’s Jaintapur upazila. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. in the Suraighat border area under Charikata Union, within the jurisdiction of BGB’s 19 Battalion. According to BGB officials, a patrol team intercepted a pickup truck carrying smuggled goods when a group of armed men attacked them with local weapons, including machetes and sticks, attempting to snatch the seized items. BGB claimed they fired several blank rounds in self-defense to protect government property and their own lives. One BGB member sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Almas Mia of Nayakhel village. Police have recovered the body and sent it to the morgue, though no formal complaint had been filed as of Wednesday evening.

The government has called upon the National Citizen Party (NCP) to sign the July Charter, a political framework aimed at ensuring stability and cooperation ahead of the upcoming elections. NCP Convener Nahid Islam revealed the government’s proposal after a meeting with the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, at his Jamuna residence. The NCP delegation included Nahid Islam, Chief Organizer for the northern region Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, and Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah. The government’s invitation marks a significant move to bring smaller political parties on board with the July Charter initiative. A day earlier, a BNP delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also met Professor Yunus, urging the interim administration to act impartially and remove any partisan members from the interim setup to ensure fair and credible elections.

Job-seeking persons with disabilities once again staged a sit-in protest in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Wednesday (October 22), under the banner of the “Job-Seeking Disabled Graduates Council.” Their protest centered around five key demands: special recruitment under the Chief Adviser’s executive order based on disability type, implementation of a 2% quota in first and second-class jobs and 5% in third and fourth-class posts, policy updates ensuring independence in appointing scribes, guaranteed recruitment for visually impaired candidates, and extending the government job age limit to 35 years for disabled persons and 37 for general candidates. Around noon, the protesters began marching toward the Jamuna River but were stopped by police at Shahbagh intersection. A brief scuffle ensued before the police dispersed them. The protesters claimed they have been demanding inclusion and quota enforcement since 2018 without meaningful results.