BNP central leader and former state minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has accused the Awami League government of systematically destroying Bangladesh’s education system during its 15 and a half years in power. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Future Strategy for the Upcoming National Election” organized by the Zia Parishad Natore District branch, Dulu said that during BNP’s tenure, the party established a corruption-free education system to create a proud, educated generation. He claimed that under Awami League rule, even students who didn’t study were shown as passing exams, undermining the sector’s integrity. Dulu further alleged that the ruling party appointed loyalists to key educational posts, promoting corruption and favoritism. He pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will restore honesty in education and ensure fair opportunities for teachers and students alike.

Police have detained Mahir Rahman, one of the accused in the murder of Jagannath University student Md. Zobayed Hossain, after his mother brought him to Bangshal Police Station early Monday (October 20). Zobayed, a 2019–20 Statistics Department student and a member of the JnU Chhatra Dal convening committee, was killed on Sunday afternoon at a house in Armanitola, where he used to tutor a student named Barsha. His bloodied body was found on a staircase, and CCTV footage showed two young men fleeing the scene. Zobayed’s family accused five people, including Barsha, her parents, Mahir, and Mahir’s friend Nafis, but alleged that police delayed filing the case and advised them to reduce the number of accused. Protesting students blocked Tatibazar intersection, demanding immediate arrests. Jagannath University authorities have declared two days of mourning and postponed all events scheduled for University Day on October 22.

The United States has been swept by outrage after President Donald Trump posted a fake video on his Truth Social platform showing himself as “King Trump.” In the video, Trump appears crowned and flying a private jet labeled “King Trump,” releasing brown, waste-like liquid onto protesters below while the song “Danger Zone” plays in the background. The video surfaced on the same day as the “No Kings” demonstrations, when thousands of Americans in all 50 states rallied with placards reading “I pledge allegiance to no king,” condemning Trump’s alleged authoritarianism. Later that night, the White House’s official account posted an AI-generated image showing Trump and Vice President JD Vance wearing crowns, captioned, “Good night, everyone.” Critics across the political spectrum called the posts offensive and divisive, while the White House dismissed the controversy with spokesperson Abigail Jackson’s brief remark: “Who cares?”

Following intense airstrikes across the Gaza Strip that left at least 45 Palestinians dead, Israel has announced the reinstatement of a ceasefire. According to the Times of Israel, Israeli forces launched heavy attacks throughout Sunday (October 19) after claiming that two soldiers were killed and three seriously wounded in a Hamas assault near Rafah. Hamas, however, denied any involvement in the incident. Despite that, Israeli forces continued bombings in several parts of Gaza. Later in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared that the ceasefire was being re-enforced based on “political-level instructions” following a series of operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, Gaza’s media office reported that since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israeli forces have violated it at least 80 times, killing 97 Palestinians and injuring over 230. Gaza’s Health Ministry states that since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed 68,159 Palestinians and injured 170,203 others.

The defense arguments have commenced in the war crimes and genocide case filed against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, related to the July-August student and public uprising. On Monday, October 20, state-appointed defense lawyer Md. Amir Hossain began presenting arguments on behalf of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. The prosecution concluded its arguments last Thursday, the fifth consecutive day of proceedings. Following that, the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, scheduled the defense phase for today. A total of 54 witnesses, including the investigation officer, journalist Mahmudur Rahman, and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, testified for the prosecution. However, due to two key accused remaining absconding, no defense witnesses were presented. Meanwhile, testimony is also being heard today in another case at Tribunal-2 concerning the Ashulia six-body burning incident.

A state-of-the-art 230/33 kV high-voltage GIS substation is being built in Charfashion, Bhola, marking a major milestone for Bangladesh’s coastal power infrastructure. Jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh, ADB, and the Climate Fund—at a cost of about Tk 400 crore—the project is being implemented by Reverie Power & Automation Engineering Ltd (Bangladesh) and China’s SPTDE. Once operational in December 2025, the substation will ensure uninterrupted electricity, reduce low-voltage issues and system loss, and open doors for industrial and economic development in the region. Power from Shahbazpur gas plant (425 MW daily) will reach the grid via fiber cables that can also deliver high-speed internet. Locals anticipate new industries, jobs, and improved living standards. The modern facility includes lightning protection, 125 transmission towers, and enhanced disaster resilience—promising a new era of growth for the southern coastal belt.

An old video showing a fire on the passenger launch Mayur-7 at Dhaka’s Sadarghat has gone viral on Facebook, falsely presented as a recent incident. The footage actually dates back to June 30, 2023, when 13 fire service units brought the blaze under control within an hour. Officials, including then-duty officer Khaleda Yasmin, confirmed that the fire was swiftly contained, though details of casualties and losses were uncertain at the time. Recently, social media users have been spreading the old video, matching it with minor fire incidents to mislead the public. Local residents claim certain political groups are using the footage to spread propaganda and stir instability. Both Sadarghat police and fire service officials confirmed that no such fire occurred recently and urged citizens to verify information before sharing.

A Dhaka court has directed law enforcement authorities to identify and take legal action against the administrators and financial operators behind online pornography groups. The directive follows a news report titled “Thousands of Young Women’s Nude Videos Sold on Telegram”, published in a national daily. Taking the report into judicial notice under Section 190(1)(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jakir Hossain ordered the Deputy Commissioner of DB Police’s Cyber and Special Crime Division to appoint a skilled investigation officer. The court further instructed that a case be filed based on the findings, and progress reports must be submitted every 15 days. Both journalists who published the report have been directed to assist in the investigation. The final report is due by November 30. SI Rukunuzzaman of the prosecution confirmed the court’s order.

A violent incident occurred at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Sunday afternoon, where several journalists were assaulted while covering the interview session of nomination seekers from Sylhet division. Reporters from Amar Desh, The Daily Star, Naya Diganta, and Jago News were among those attacked. Amar Desh reporter Zahidul Islam stated that he was filming when several individuals dragged him away, broke his mobile phone, and took his press card despite his explanation. Other journalists confirmed being harassed and expressed outrage over the attack, calling it unacceptable. Following the incident, a photo of one alleged attacker, identified as Faisal, was circulated on social media by reporters. Later in the evening, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement expressing regret, describing the attack as an unexpected misunderstanding and reaffirming the party’s respect for the media’s vital role in democracy.

Hamas has accused Israel of multiple violations of the ceasefire in Gaza, claiming that Israeli attacks have killed at least 46 Palestinians and injured over 130 since the truce was implemented. Half of the victims are reportedly children, women, and the elderly, including the entire Abu Shaban family. Hamas described these violations as deliberate targeting of civilians and an effort to undermine the ceasefire. The organization also claims Israel continues to block essential supplies such as food, medical equipment, and construction materials, while delaying the release of women and underage prisoners. Despite the challenges, Hamas says it remains fully committed to the truce and calls on mediators to ensure Israel adheres to the agreement. The ceasefire was brokered on October 10 as part of a phased U.S.-proposed plan, including prisoner exchanges and Gaza reconstruction.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have reached a new all-time high following another price hike announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The BAJUS Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring made the decision during a meeting held on Sunday. According to a notice signed by the committee chairman, Masudur Rahman, the price of 22-carat gold—the highest quality available—has been increased by Tk 1,050 per bhori (11.664 grams). With this adjustment, each bhori of 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 217,382. The association explained that the price hike was made in response to the rising cost of pure or raw gold in the local market. The new rates will officially take effect from Monday, October 20. This marks yet another historic peak for gold prices in the country, reflecting ongoing volatility in global and domestic precious metal markets.

MPO-affiliated teachers from private schools have announced an indefinite hunger strike starting Monday, October 20, demanding three major points, including a 20% salary increase and house rent allowance. The announcement was made by Delwar Hossain Azizi, secretary of the education nationalization coalition, at Mazar More near the High Court on Sunday. Following the announcement, teachers started a hunger march from the Central Shaheed Minar, remaining there until 5:00 pm. Meanwhile, the government has approved a 5% house rent allowance for private school teachers under the MPO scheme despite budget constraints, according to Finance Ministry orders issued Sunday. Education advisor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar urged teachers to return to classrooms while accepting the new allowance arrangement. The government’s decision marks a partial response to the teachers’ ongoing demands.

Following a series of severe fire incidents across the country, the Police Headquarters has instructed all police units to remain on the highest alert. The directive comes amid concerns that other critical installations, known as Key Point Installations (KPIs), could become potential targets. Immediate steps have been taken to strengthen security, including increased patrols, establishment of checkpoints at important locations, and detention of suspicious individuals. The order was issued after the massive fire at Shahjalal International Airport on October 18, prompting intensified monitoring of KPIs nationwide. District-level officers have also been directed to ensure vigilant oversight of critical sites within their jurisdictions. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam emphasized that security at key installations, including government offices, airports, power plants, and other sensitive facilities, is reinforced throughout the year. Currently, 587 KPIs are under surveillance, coordinated by a specialized government committee to maintain robust security measures.

A Jagannath University student, identified as Jubayed Hossain, was stabbed to death in Old Dhaka’s Armanitola area on Sunday evening, October 19. Police confirmed that his body was found inside the house where he used to give private tuition, located in Panir Pump Lane. The victim, a student of the 2019–20 session in the Statistics Department, was also the president of the Cumilla District Student Welfare Association at Jagannath University and a member of the BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) convening committee on campus. Banshal Police Station OC Rafiqul Islam said the exact cause of the killing is still under investigation. University Proctor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tajammul Haque described the incident as tragic and said CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed. Police are trying to identify the assailants and determine whether the murder was politically motivated or personal.

The Advisory Committee on the Review of RAJUK’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022–2035 has approved draft amendments that will increase floor area ratio (FAR) and population density across most urban areas under RAJUK’s jurisdiction, while strictly prohibiting construction on agricultural land. The amendments consolidate watercourses into designated flood flow zones, introduce incentives for Transit-Oriented Development and block-based regeneration, and align building regulations with the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020). Additional measures include mandatory sewerage treatment plants for large plots, green building incentives, streamlined approval processes for large projects, and provisions considering disaster management. The amended DAP is expected to be published soon in the official gazette. The committee held extensive consultations with multiple ministries and stakeholders before finalizing the proposals.