Sweden has announced a large-scale food stockpiling initiative in response to growing fears of a potential Third World War as Russia’s military continues its advance in Ukraine. The Swedish Board of Agriculture said the government aims to ensure national food security should global conflict erupt. The plan includes a $57 million allocation to build food warehouses between 2026 and 2028, capable of sustaining every citizen with a minimum of 3,000 calories per day during wartime. Neighboring Finland will begin training its citizens next month on managing daily life under war conditions. Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed Sweden’s move as part of what it called “Western anti-Russian hysteria,” questioning why a world war would start because of Russia. Analysts say Sweden’s actions mark one of the strongest signs yet that Europe is bracing for potential large-scale instability.

U.S. President Donald Trump has admitted to a “submarine strike” in the Caribbean Sea, claiming it targeted a vessel used for large-scale drug trafficking. Speaking at the White House alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 17, Trump offered no proof that the vessel was indeed a submarine or involved in narcotics smuggling. According to Reuters, two survivors were captured while two others were killed. U.S. officials assert the operation was part of anti-narcotics efforts near Venezuela, though critics argue it violates international law. Venezuela has urged the UN Security Council to declare the attacks illegal, and Colombia’s president suggested some victims were his citizens. Trump also alleged that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro had offered major concessions to ease tensions. As Washington expands its executive powers under anti-immigrant and anti-drug justifications, fears grow that the confrontation may edge closer to open conflict.

A devastating fire broke out at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday around 2:15 p.m. The blaze originated in an area used to store imported goods, according to Fire Service duty officer Lima Khanom. Initially, firefighting units from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Bangladesh Air Force responded, followed by reinforcements from 28 fire service units. Personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force also joined the operation to contain the flames. Due to the intensity of the fire, airport authorities temporarily suspended all flight operations for safety reasons. Firefighters are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage have not yet been determined. Authorities have urged everyone to remain calm and stay away from the affected area until further notice.

Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government are set to hold high-level talks in Doha, with Qatar mediating efforts to resolve growing tensions over cross-border militant activity. The meeting aims to address Pakistan’s security concerns about Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is ready for dialogue if Kabul shows sincerity in curbing terrorism. Both sides recently agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire after deadly clashes along the border left several casualties. Pakistan warned its patience is wearing thin, accusing India of backing recent attacks. Doha and Riyadh have stepped in to defuse tensions, as Pakistan maintains that further hostilities could resume unless Kabul takes concrete action against militants. Border crossings at Torkham and Chaman remain closed, heightening fears of wider conflict.

Saudi Arabia has announced a grand development plan surrounding Mecca’s Holy Grand Mosque under the name “King Salman Gate.” Spanning 12 million square meters, the project will feature high-rise towers offering prayer spaces, residential, commercial, cultural, and hotel facilities. Designed to accommodate up to 900,000 worshippers simultaneously, the expansion will also create 300,000 new jobs. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will oversee the implementation, aiming to enhance the spiritual and infrastructural experience of pilgrims. Developed by Rua Al Haramain Al Makki, the project is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to welcome 30 million Hajj pilgrims annually. AI-generated visuals reveal futuristic skyscrapers rising beside Mecca, symbolizing modernity and faith merging in the holiest Islamic city.

Following violent clashes with police at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament, the protest group known as the “July Warriors” has announced a nationwide highway blockade. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters after they broke through the gates and entered the Parliament area, setting fires and vandalizing property. Masud Rana Saurav, chief organizer of the July Warriors Council, declared a three-hour highway blockade in all districts from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 19. The protesters demand that the July martyrs be recognized as national heroes, that injured and disabled protesters receive constitutional recognition as heroes, and that a rehabilitation roadmap be announced for victims and their families. They also called for legal immunity and protection from harassment until allegations against them are proven. Security forces have since tightened control around the Parliament complex.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member-secretary Akhtar Hossain has said that if the unresolved aspects of the July Charter are not addressed, the party will make its next move in consultation with the people. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he explained that despite efforts to secure government assurances before signing, the roadmap for implementation remains unclear. As a result, the NCP chose not to participate in the Charter’s signing ceremony. Akhtar added that during the extended period granted to the Consensus Commission, the NCP expects clarification on implementation, resolution of disputes, a transparent draft order, and the inclusion of 2026 as a reference year for constitutional integration of political parties. He emphasized that if discussions fail to resolve these issues, the NCP will continue dialogue with the Commission while mobilizing people through political programs to ensure sustainable realization of the party’s reform goals.

After months of extensive discussions, the July Charter was officially signed on 17 October, a milestone hailed by Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul. He expressed his satisfaction over the finalization of the charter’s content, calling the event “grand” and a significant achievement. However, the absence of student leaders from the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), who had led the July uprising, left him feeling regretful. Nazrul noted that while the leaders were not present, they had indicated that the Consensus Commission would continue functioning for another 15 days, during which they would consider additional matters, and could sign later if necessary. Emphasizing inclusivity, he added that the process would have been better if all stakeholders had participated together. The signing of the July Charter marks a historic moment in the ongoing political reconciliation process in the country.

On Friday, July freedom fighters staged a protest at the South Plaza of the National Parliament ahead of the scheduled signing ceremony of the July National Charter. They presented three demands: amend the charter, permanently incorporate it into the constitution, and officially recognize July fighters. Long before the ceremony began, they occupied the parliament premises, refusing to leave despite appeals. Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, announced that urgent amendments were being made to the charter’s fifth pledge to meet their demands, ensuring recognition, dignity, and protection for the fighters. He emphasized that political parties and the commission had agreed on these changes and stated that the commission would remain in effect until October 31 to monitor implementation. Law enforcement eventually escorted the protesters out, but the commission’s commitments mark a significant step toward addressing the July fighters’ longstanding concerns.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Bangladesh’s upcoming national election is creating a negative impact on the country’s economic prospects. Krishna Srinivasan, Director of IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, highlighted that political uncertainty and election-related factors are contributing to a slowdown in economic growth. The IMF cited three key reasons for the downward GDP revision: tighter monetary policies and financial sector weaknesses limiting credit flow, uncertainty due to additional U.S. tariffs, and political instability surrounding the election. Bangladesh’s GDP forecast for the fiscal year has been revised down to 4.9 percent from earlier projections of 6.5 percent in April and 5.4 percent in June. Inflation could reach 8.5 percent by year-end due to supply shortages. The IMF emphasized the need for continued financial reforms and improved revenue collection, and a mission will soon review the ongoing $5.5 billion loan program.

Saudi Arabia is in advanced discussions with the United States to establish a major defense agreement, potentially to be signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House next month. According to the Financial Times, while negotiations are ongoing, the details of the pact have not yet been finalized. Sources indicate the agreement could resemble the U.S.-Qatar defense pact, in which any military attack on Qatar would be treated as an attack on the United States. The discussions occur amid regional tensions involving Iran and Israel. Last month, Saudi Arabia also signed a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan, signaling a shift toward strengthening strategic partnerships in the Middle East. U.S. officials and the Saudi government have not issued formal statements, but analysts suggest the potential pact could alter regional strategic balances and deepen Saudi-U.S. military collaboration.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has criticized certain political parties for misleading the public under the banner of national unity. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Workers’ Force on 17 October, he said signing the July Charter or holding party meetings does not constitute genuine national unity. Nahid emphasized that true unity requires people from all professions, especially workers, to collaborate for the country’s welfare. He highlighted the lack of discussion on labor and health sectors, with reform commissions focusing only on elections. He also condemned the exploitation of workers, the undervaluation of their lives, and protection of past mafias’ businesses. Nahid asserted that the Workers’ Force will stand with those sustaining the nation’s economy and called for real reforms and justice.

Mumbai police have arrested Babu Ayan Khan, also known as Jyoti and popularly referred to as ‘Guru Mata,’ for allegedly trafficking over 200 Bangladeshi citizens into India using forged documents. Living in India for 30 years, Jyoti created fake birth certificates, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards to claim Indian citizenship. The network reportedly smuggled victims through the Murshidabad border into Kolkata, where fake documents were prepared before moving them to Mumbai and housing them in Shivaji Nagar. Each flat hosted 3–4 Bangladeshis who paid monthly rent to Guru Mata. Disturbingly, many of the trafficked individuals were forced into prostitution. Jyoti also illegally occupied over 200 flats under MHADA, earning lakhs of rupees through rentals. She has around 300 followers among Mumbai’s transgender community and had built a reputation as a spiritual leader over the years.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Executive Committee member and Rangpur-2 candidate ATM Azharul Islam emphasized the need for a referendum before the next national elections to provide legal legitimacy to the upcoming July charter, which reflects the spirit of the historic mass uprising. Speaking at a roadshow in Daluya village, Badarganj, he highlighted that Bangladesh has abundant wealth but lacks honest and capable leadership, citing the siphoning of 27,000 crore Taka abroad over the last 54 years. He promised that if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, corruption will be eradicated, and teachers and other professionals will receive their rightful benefits. Azhar also remembered those who sacrificed their lives for systemic change and expressed gratitude to supporters who prayed for his release from death row, pledging to serve the people faithfully until his last moments.

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and delivered a direct message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani, who serves as both Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and an advisor to Khamenei, arrived in Russia on Thursday, October 16. During the discussions, both sides focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, addressing regional development, and coordinating on international matters. The meeting comes shortly after Russian President Putin revealed that Israeli authorities asked him to convey to Iran that they are not seeking conflict and wish to reduce tensions. Speaking at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe, Putin emphasized that Israel remains committed to peaceful resolution and has requested that the message be shared with Iranian leaders. Analysts suggest this meeting reflects Tehran and Moscow’s continued engagement on strategic regional and international concerns.