Three distinguished researchers—Mary Branco and Fred Ramsdell from the United States, and Shimon Sakaguchi from Japan—have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work on peripheral immune tolerance. This vital mechanism helps the immune system avoid attacking the body’s own cells or harmless external elements such as food components and beneficial gut bacteria. The announcement was made by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute in Stockholm at 3:30 PM Bangladesh time on Monday. The laureates will receive a medal, a certificate, and a total prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately 1.2 million USD or 146 million BDT), to be shared among them. The discovery has major implications for autoimmune disease treatment and immune regulation research, shaping the future of medical science.

The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal has announced a one-day program on October 7 to mark the 6th martyrdom anniversary of Abrar Fahad, a talented and patriotic student of BUET’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department who was brutally killed by the ruling party’s student wing, Chhatra League. The announcement was made on October 5 by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. As part of the program, a discussion session titled “From Expression to Death: The Spread and Resistance of Fascism in Educational Institutions” will be held at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University at 2:00 PM. On the same day, Milad and prayer gatherings will be organized across educational institutions nationwide, seeking forgiveness for Abrar Fahad’s soul. Top leaders have instructed all university and college branches to actively participate and ensure proper observance of the program.

In a newly released Gaza Government Media Office report marking two years since Israel began its military campaign on 7 October 2023, it is alleged that more than 200,000 tons of bombs and explosives were dropped on the densely populated enclave. Over 76,000 Palestinians are reported killed or missing, including more than 20,000 children and 12,500 women. Over 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure—homes, hospitals, schools, mosques—has been damaged or destroyed; 38 hospitals and 96 clinics are non-functional. More than 2 million people have been forcibly displaced, with many forced to move repeatedly under siege and aerial assault. The report accuses Israel of pursuing policies amounting to starvation, ethnic cleansing, and continuing genocide, citing repeated bombings even of “safe zones” like al-Mawasi. International agencies warn the enclave faces a collapse of basic services, famine, and mass suffering unless urgent action is taken.

A devastating school building collapse in Indonesia’s East Java province has left at least 50 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). The collapse occurred as construction workers were adding a new floor to the existing structure without sufficient foundation support. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 people still missing. Around 60 percent of the debris has been cleared, though an adjacent building also collapsed, worsening the devastation. Teachers reported that authorities ignored structural warnings before the expansion project began. Emergency crews continue to search for survivors amid fears that the death toll could rise. The government has ordered a full investigation into the incident, focusing on safety violations and negligence in the school’s expansion project.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Malaysia for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in trade, investment, education, tourism, and defense. He was received at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Malaysia’s Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil with a formal guard of honor. On Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will host an official welcome and hold talks at the Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. Both leaders are expected to witness the signing of five MoUs and one training-related Exchange of Note covering tourism, higher education, halal certification, anti-corruption, and SME development. Shehbaz will also present an Urdu translation of Anwar’s book “Script: For a Better Malaysia.” The visit will conclude with a business and investment conference expected to expand trade opportunities and deepen Malaysia–Pakistan strategic cooperation amid evolving regional and global challenges.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Bangla after almost twenty years, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman revealed his intention to return to the country soon and actively participate in the upcoming national elections. Speaking to BBC Bangla Editor Mir Sabbir and Senior Journalist Kadir Kallol, Rahman discussed BNP’s electoral strategy, his views on the ruling Awami League, and the state of democracy in Bangladesh. He stated that despite living abroad for 17 years, his “mind and spirit have always remained in Bangladesh.” Rahman claimed that previous governments had legally restricted his right to speak to the media, which limited his public communication. However, he asserted that he continued to engage with citizens through alternative means, including social media. Expressing optimism, he said the “time has come” for his return, affirming his commitment to stand with the people during the anticipated election.

The Teesta River has risen 20 centimeters above the danger level due to heavy rainfall and mountain runoff in India’s Sikkim and adjoining regions. The Water Development Board (WDB) reported that at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, water at the Teesta Barrage in Dalia was flowing at 52.35 centimeters, prompting the opening of all 44 sluice gates to control pressure. Authorities have issued loudspeaker warnings urging residents of low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat to move to safer ground. Locals have begun evacuating with livestock and valuables amid fears of prolonged flooding. Officials have also expressed concern about possible damage to the flood bypass road near the barrage. Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner H.M. Rakib Haydar said all five upazila executive officers have been instructed to remain alert and extend assistance to affected residents. Authorities remain on high alert as water levels continue to rise.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Hamas and Israel to take swift action as both parties hold emergency peace talks in Egypt to end the Gaza conflict. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said discussions with Hamas had been “positive” and involved several Arab and Muslim nations working toward a ceasefire and the release of hostages. He noted that strategic teams would reconvene Monday to finalize terms, hoping to conclude the first phase this week. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump hinted that hostages could soon be freed, describing his plan as a “great deal” for Israel, the Arab world, and global peace. Meanwhile, Israel continued airstrikes in Gaza, including on Al-Mawasi, killing at least 24 people, despite Trump’s proposed peace roadmap.

For the first time in twenty years, Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has given an interview to a media outlet. BBC Bangla announced on Sunday, October 5, that it would air the exclusive two-part interview on October 6 and 7 at 9 a.m. on its website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. In the interview, Tarique discussed national politics, elections, and various current affairs. Exiled in London for nearly seventeen years, he has been leading BNP virtually but had never before spoken directly to the press. His first public media appearance has generated significant curiosity among BNP supporters and the general public. The interview follows the lifting of a High Court ban imposed during the previous Awami League government, which had restricted media broadcasts of Tarique Rahman’s statements until August 5, 2024.

On the eve of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, acting president and candidate Aminul Islam addressed the media, breaking his recent silence. He described the event not as an election issue but as the outgoing board’s final interaction with journalists. Aminul, who took charge four months ago, highlighted the board’s visible progress in a short time. However, controversy has overshadowed the election process, with allegations of government interference, candidate withdrawals, and claims of predetermined outcomes. Responding to questions about the election’s integrity, Aminul said it was the Election Commission’s role to judge whether it was fair, acknowledging “ups and downs” in any vote. He dismissed allegations of influence by sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, stating he only offered support. Aminul reiterated his commitment to cricket and constitutional procedures, saying he would step aside if deemed unfit. With many candidates withdrawing, the election appears largely uncontested.

The Nobel Prize season has officially begun, with the announcement of this year’s laureates starting today. Following tradition, the Nobel Prize in Medicine will be revealed first, with the winners of Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economics to be announced on subsequent days. While five of the prizes are declared from Stockholm, Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize is announced from Oslo, Norway. The awards are presented in the name of Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, and funded through his estate. The Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 1901, making them among the most prestigious and valuable recognitions in the world. The Economics Prize, introduced in 1968, is now awarded alongside the original five categories and holds equal status. Winners receive a gold medal, certificate, and a cash prize of 11 million Swedish kronor. The awards ceremony will take place on December 10, marking Nobel’s death anniversary.

At least 39 people have died in floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Nepal since Friday, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters. The Koshi Province has been the worst affected, recording 36 deaths, while Madhesh Province reported three fatalities. In Ilam district alone, 27 people died in landslides, with five still missing. Other casualties include two deaths in Udayapur, one in Khotang from lightning, and injuries in Bhojpur and Makwanpur. Six people were also killed in a road accident in Panchthar. Additional deaths occurred in Bara, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, and Ranihat of Madhesh due to floods or lightning strikes. Authorities fear the toll may rise as continuous rainfall hampers rescue and relief operations. The government has urged residents in high-risk areas to remain cautious amid forecasts of further heavy downpours.

The final witness in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex–Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will be cross-examined today (October 6) by state-appointed defense lawyer Md Amir Hossain before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. The witness, chief investigator Md Alamgir, earlier testified about the July–August massacre, claiming killings occurred in 438 locations across 41 districts, with deadly weapons used in more than 50 districts. He cited evidence of 305,000 bullets fired on protesters and video footage documenting the brutality. His statements, broadcast nationally and internationally, implicated Hasina and Kamal as responsible for crimes against humanity. Following this final cross-examination, the tribunal will proceed to arguments and verdict. A total of 54 witnesses have testified in the 25-day-long proceedings, detailing large-scale violence, state involvement, and appeals for exemplary punishment from victims’ families.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Advocate Abu Sayeed Sagar after rejecting his bail plea in a case filed over alleged vote rigging, attacks, and attempted murder of BNP-backed lawyers at the Supreme Court. The order was issued on Sunday by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Sabbir Foyez, following a hearing where the prosecution opposed bail. According to Additional Public Prosecutor Azizul Haque Didar, Sagar surrendered before the court seeking bail but was sent to jail after the plea was denied. The case was filed on August 14 by Supreme Court Bar Association official Md Rabiul Islam, naming former Law Minister Anisul Huq and 74 others as accused. The allegations stem from violent incidents on March 14–15, 2023, where pro-BNP lawyers were reportedly attacked, injured, and subjected to harassment by police and ruling-party supporters inside the Bar Association premises.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) held a political discussion in Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar on Saturday evening, addressing the legal foundation of the July Charter, proportional representation in the upper house, and accountability for the July and Shapla killings. The meeting was led by NCP’s senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib and Khelafat Andolan’s Amir Maulana Habibullah Miaji, joined by top leaders from both parties. Both groups expressed consensus on suspending the activities of the ruling alliance and seeking justice for political violence. They also emphasized working together against foreign or domestic hegemony to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty, human rights, and independence. The dialogue marked a step toward building broader political understanding among parties sharing anti-imperialist values and aspirations for democratic reform.