In a significant diplomatic meeting held in Kabul, senior Iranian and Taliban officials discussed enhancing security cooperation and ensuring stability along their shared border. The talks, reported by Mehr News on Friday, included Iran’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Alireza Bikdeli, Director-General for South Asia at Iran’s Foreign Ministry Mohammad Reza Bahrami, and Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The meeting focused on countering cross-border drug trafficking, preventing illegal movements, and reinforcing coordination mechanisms between Iran and Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining border stability and continuing dialogue to resolve emerging issues through mutual understanding and respect. The Iranian delegation called for sustained cooperation to promote peace and regional stability, while Haqqani reaffirmed the Taliban’s commitment to fostering strong, respectful relations with neighboring countries, particularly Iran. The meeting marks another step in regional efforts to balance security and diplomacy in post-withdrawal Afghanistan.

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has declared the beginning of a “New Bangladesh” following the signing of the Historic July National Charter 2025. The signing ceremony, held on Friday at 5 p.m., marked a major political milestone, with representatives from various political parties joining in the event. Before the signing, the national anthem was performed at 4:37 p.m. In his remarks, Professor Yunus stated that this Charter symbolizes a new era of transformation made possible by the people’s and students’ uprising. He described the moment as the “second phase of the mass movement,” emphasizing that the nation is discarding old practices and embracing a new framework for governance and democracy—from Parliament to state administration. Yunus expressed optimism that the reforms will lead the nation forward, saying, “Today marks our rebirth; through this signature, we begin a new Bangladesh.”

The National Citizens Party (NCP) chose not to attend the signing ceremony of the July Charter 2025, held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Earlier, the party announced in a statement that it would refrain from joining the event, arguing that the signing lacked any legal foundation and was merely a symbolic formality. NCP emphasized that without a clear legal basis, the initiative could turn into another one-sided document like the “July Declaration.” However, the party appreciated the Consensus Commission’s decision to extend the timeframe and confirmed that it would participate in future proceedings to express its stance. The ceremony began at 4:30 PM with the national anthem, attended by the Chief Adviser, other advisers, and leaders from several political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nagorik Oikya, and Ganosamhati Andolon.

MPO-listed teachers and staff have started a hunger strike at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to press for three key demands, including nationalization of their jobs, salary reform, and an increase in housing allowance. The strike began on Friday afternoon, led by Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi, the member secretary of the alliance demanding nationalization. Teachers from across the country have gathered at the site, braving rain and fatigue while chanting slogans and giving speeches. Many participants expressed frustration over receiving only Tk 2,000 as housing allowance, saying it is impossible to rent accommodation with such a small amount. The protest has continued for six consecutive days, but the government has yet to respond. Six teachers’ organizations have united under a single platform, declaring that they will not end their movement until their demands are met.

A violent clash broke out in front of the National Parliament in Dhaka on Friday (October 17) during the “July Certificate Signing” event. Police baton-charged a group of “July Warriors” — participants in the July Uprising — as tensions escalated. Protesters retaliated by throwing bricks and setting fires. In the chaos, one protester’s artificial arm was seen lying on the road after it detached during the assault. The July Warriors had gathered demanding official state recognition for those injured in the July Uprising and for them to be honored as national heroes. They declared they would not leave the area until their three-point demand was met. Protesters reportedly broke Gate No. 12 of the Parliament compound and vandalized several vehicles. Fires were also set to police barricades and temporary tents near Manik Mia Avenue, as the confrontation intensified between police and demonstrators.

Across four of Bangladesh’s most prominent universities, student panels supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir registered dominant wins in recently held central and hall student council elections. At Dhaka University — where voting returned after six years — the united Shibir-backed student alliance captured 23 of 28 central posts, including VP and GS; VP Abu Sadiq secured 14,042 votes against 5,708 for his nearest rival. Jahangirnagar University followed with 20 of 25 central seats won by the Shibir-supported slate, including GS and both AGS posts. Chittagong University’s long-awaited poll produced 24 of 26 central seats for the same alliance, with VP and GS winning by large margins. Rajshahi University also saw the alliance win 20 of 23 central posts, with VP Zahid polling 12,687 votes. Voter participation varied by campus but turnout was robust in several places. Observers and rival groups reacted with surprise; academic and student leaders called for reflection on strategy and campus politics after the successive, sweeping outcomes.

Pakistan has formally requested China’s support to join the BRICS alliance’s New Development Bank (NDB), signaling its intent to deepen financial and strategic cooperation with Beijing. The request was made during a meeting in Washington between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and China’s Vice Finance Minister Liao Min. Islamabad expressed gratitude for the growing Chinese investments in agriculture, industry, and mineral sectors, highlighting China’s role in Pakistan’s economic stability. According to a government statement, Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan’s desire to become a member of the NDB, which was established by BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee approved the purchase of $582 million worth of NDB capital shares, marking a concrete step toward its membership bid.

In a powerful demonstration of unity, tens of thousands of people from five districts of the Rangpur Division—Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Gaibandha—lit torches along a 105-kilometer stretch of the Teesta River on Thursday evening. The symbolic event, organized under the banner of the “Jago Bahe Teesta Bachao” (Rise to Save Teesta) movement, called for the urgent implementation of the long-awaited Teesta Master Plan. Former state minister and BNP central organizing secretary Principal Asadul Habib Dulu inaugurated the program, warning that delays in the project would lead to a massive regional protest. He declared that the Teesta crisis is no longer local but a national issue, accusing the government of negligence and conspiracy. The program saw participation from political leaders, social activists, students, and youth groups, all chanting: “Save Teesta, demand fair water share!”

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has warned students and guardians against enrolling in three fake foreign university branch campuses operating illegally in the country. In a press release issued on Thursday (October 16), the UGC identified the institutions as America World University, USA; Trinity University, USA; and Spiritual Institute of New York (State University of). The commission confirmed that neither the government nor the UGC has granted approval to these universities. The discovery came after Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited requested verification of certificates issued by these institutions. During the verification process, the UGC found evidence of unauthorized branch campuses operating in Bangladesh. The UGC also cautioned that several unapproved foreign universities, tutorial centers, and study centers across the country are illegally offering undergraduate to PhD degrees, which are entirely invalid under existing laws. Students are urged to verify institutional approval before admission.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced that it will not sign the July Charter without first reviewing the draft implementation order. Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, described the party’s stance as “regrettable” but emphasized optimism that the NCP may eventually sign the charter considering the broader political context. At a press conference, NCP convener Nahid Islam outlined three key demands: public disclosure of the finalized text and referendum question, issuance of the draft implementation order by Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus as a reflection of the people’s sovereign will, and nullification of any ‘Note of Dissent’ if the public approves the charter via referendum. Out of 84 proposals in the July Charter, NCP has dissent only on one, advocating for 15 percent women’s direct election compared to the commission’s 5 percent proposal. The commission expects rapid implementation after the signing.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced it will boycott the July National Charter signing ceremony scheduled for October 17, citing two major reasons—absence of a legal foundation for the charter and lack of access to its full text. NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the party has consistently pushed for a legally recognized framework since the 2024 people’s uprising, but those demands remain unfulfilled. He described the signing event as a “deceptive process,” adding that NCP will not participate until transparency and legal assurance are ensured. Earlier, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain also expressed doubts about the charter’s implementation, suggesting that without clarity, its objectives could remain unachieved. The boycott announcement just a day before the event has raised uncertainty over the ceremony’s credibility and unity among pro-reform groups.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he does not want to harm Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political career, describing him as “a great man” who “loves Trump.” Speaking at the White House on October 15, Trump revealed that Modi assured him India would soon stop importing oil from Russia, a move he believes will help restore peace in Ukraine. Trump acknowledged the long-standing hostility between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the main barrier to peace, adding that India’s decision to halt oil purchases would make resolving the conflict much easier. He also praised Modi as a leader who has stood the test of time and maintained strong leadership over the years.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed his willingness to mediate and ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has applied for parole to pursue these discussions. His sister, Naurin Khan, said he was deeply concerned over the recent border clashes and the displacement of Afghan citizens from Pakistan. Imran Khan has proposed resolving the country’s issues with Afghanistan through dialogue. This comes amid recent military clashes, where both Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged fire, prompting a temporary 48-hour ceasefire. PTI leaders maintain that Khan’s approach has always focused on discussions, not implementation of any settlements with banned groups, countering criticism from rival political parties. The proposal aims to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist attacks in Pakistan while promoting diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries.

Teachers’ organizations have been advocating for a 20% increase in house rent along with other demands, but the government is currently discussing a 5% raise, with a minimum of 2,000 Taka, due to financial constraints, according to Education Advisor Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Education on October 16, he emphasized that he has long supported improvements in teachers’ salaries, training, and professional dignity. Dr. Abrar noted that the government is sensitive and respectful toward teachers’ demands and is actively considering a percentage-based house rent system based on available resources. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize professional development and training programs, stressing that teachers’ respect and capabilities are as important as their salaries.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly accused U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to overthrow his government in Caracas by authorizing a covert CIA operation under the guise of combating drug trafficking. The allegations came after reports that Trump had signaled plans to carry out secret operations in Venezuela and hinted at possible attacks on Venezuelan territory, describing them as “dramatic moves” beyond targeting the nation’s navy in the Caribbean. Maduro condemned the actions as a “CIA-led coup” and warned against labeling it as war or regime change. Experts remain skeptical of Trump’s claims, particularly regarding alleged threats from Venezuelans in the United States. Earlier this month, the U.S. administration justified military measures against drug cartels, describing it as necessary to stop narcotics flow. The move has sparked political outrage in Congress, with members arguing Trump is bypassing congressional approval.