Several leftist and progressive political parties in Bangladesh are preparing to unite under a common platform before the next parliamentary election. The Left Democratic Alliance and the Democracy Platform, along with other parties such as Gono Forum, Bangladesh JASAD, Samyabadi Dal, Oikya NAP, and NAP (Bhasani), are holding talks to strengthen their position both in elections and in movements. The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) is set to organize a major rally in Dhaka on November 14, likely to bring leftist forces together on one stage. Meanwhile, both the Left Democratic Alliance and the Democracy Platform are separately drafting candidate lists and considering expansion by including more like-minded parties. While the Democracy Platform plans to negotiate seat-sharing with the BNP, the Left Democratic Alliance intends to contest independently but may coordinate in some constituencies. Leaders say the full picture of unity will become clearer once the official election schedule is announced.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that businesses in the U.S. and other countries are bearing the major burden of retaliatory tariffs. IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said global growth remained steady in the first half of the year despite tariff uncertainties, but early signs of a slowdown are now visible. Inflation trends remain mixed: tariffs have pushed up some U.S. goods prices, while inflationary pressures are still low in China and parts of Asia. Although U.S. companies are absorbing part of the tariff costs, it is unclear how long this can continue. The IMF will publish its next World Economic Outlook on October 14, addressing the impact of tariffs on U.S. inflation and growth, followed by further discussions in November’s Article IV consultation. Kozack also noted that the Federal Reserve’s September rate cut, aided by labor market flexibility, carries inflationary risks, urging the Fed to closely monitor upcoming data.

A 12-day holiday for Durga Puja, Fateha-i-Yazdaham, Prabarana Purnima, and Lakshmi Puja is scheduled from September 28 to October 7 for secondary schools and colleges. Academic activities were set to restart on October 8. However, confusion has arisen after the Ministry of Education directed institutions not to hold exams on October 8 and 9. Some school authorities misinterpreted the directive and announced extended holidays until October 9, causing uncertainty among students, parents, and teachers. Officials from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) have clarified that the official holiday ends on October 7, and schools must reopen on October 8. Classes will continue as usual, though no exams can be scheduled on October 8 and 9. The ministry emphasized that the directive was meant only to ensure exam-free days, not to prolong the holiday. Authorities urged institutions to follow instructions strictly and seek clarification if in doubt.

Police in Comilla’s Burichang upazila have arrested two influential Awami League figures, including Akhlak Haider, the general secretary of the local unit and former upazila chairman. Haider, wanted in several cases related to past violence and anti-government movements, was detained from his home in Sinduriapara, Moynamati Union, during a joint police and DB raid. He had been in hiding since August last year but reportedly re-emerged to organize opposition activities. He was also known for his close ties with former MPs Bahar Uddin Bahar and Abu Zaher, and previously held a dominant role in local administration. In a separate raid in Abidpur village, police also arrested youth leader Abu Musa, accused in multiple recent cases. Both were notorious for alleged control over tenders, extortion, and criminal networks in the area. Authorities confirmed legal action is underway, and the suspects are being processed for court. Their arrests have stirred significant attention in the region.

From October 4 midnight to October 25, the government has imposed a strict 22-day ban on hilsa fishing across rivers and seas in Bangladesh to safeguard the prime breeding season. The prohibition covers not only catching hilsa but also the trading, transportation, storage, and marketing of all types of fish. Fishermen in Kuakata, Mahipur, and Alipur have secured their trawlers and plan to carry out necessary repairs during the ban. Each registered fisherman will receive 25 kilograms of VGF rice for sustenance. Authorities have announced strict monitoring through coordinated drives involving the fisheries department, administration, coast guard, naval police, RAB, and army. In Lakshmipur, more than 34,000 registered fishermen in Kamalnagar and Ramgati will face unemployment during the ban. The government has declared a 100-kilometer stretch of the Meghna River as a hilsa sanctuary, with drones deployed for surveillance to ensure full compliance.

Bangladeshi photographer and Drik managing director Shahidul Alam has joined the humanitarian naval convoy, Global Sumud Flotilla, heading toward Gaza. In a video message on 3 October 2025, he stated that he is traveling separately from the flotilla with eight other vessels. Unlike the other ships tasked with delivering aid, Shahidul’s mission is to challenge and break the Israeli blockade. He emphasized that the flotilla includes journalists, doctors, and other personnel, but their purpose is not humanitarian aid; it is a protest against Israel’s attacks on Palestinians, journalists, and medical staff. Shahidul also condemned the recent killing of 14 Médecins Sans Frontières doctors, criticizing international inaction. He declared that the time for dialogue is over and that decisive action is necessary. Despite challenging sea conditions, he stated he is fully prepared to reach Gaza and fulfill the mission, expressing determination that Palestine will ultimately be free.

Ruhi Loren Akhtar, a humanitarian worker of Bangladeshi descent from Newcastle, UK, has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver essential aid to Gaza and raise international awareness against the blockade. She joined the flotilla on September 18, uniting with activists from multiple countries to highlight the severe shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities in the region. Ruhi emphasized that staying silent in the face of injustice is not a solution, noting that Palestinians have long been deprived of basic rights such as food, water, land, security, and freedom of movement. Her organization has previously provided emergency aid to displaced and conflict-affected communities in Greece, Gaza, and elsewhere. The flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces 129 kilometers off Gaza, included at least 201 passengers from countries including Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Malaysia. The initiative represents a global effort to deliver humanitarian aid and show solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Several drones spotted in the airspace over Munich Airport, Germany’s second-busiest airport, forced authorities to suspend all flights late Thursday night, affecting over 30 flights and leaving nearly 3,000 passengers stranded. Flight operations resumed early Friday morning, with Lufthansa confirming that 19 of its flights were impacted—some canceled and others diverted. Police reported multiple drone sightings around 9:30 p.m. and an hour later, leading to a one-hour closure of both runways. The airport provided stranded travelers with camp beds, blankets, food, and drinks. German authorities have launched an investigation to identify the source of the drones, deploying police helicopters, though details on the type and number of drones remain unknown. The incident follows similar disruptions across Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Poland, and coincides with German Unity Day and the final weekend of Munich’s Oktoberfest celebration.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized European Union leaders for repeatedly warning that Russia may attack NATO, calling such claims “meaningless mantras.” Speaking at the annual Valdai Discussion Club meeting, he said the idea of a Russian assault on NATO is “completely unthinkable.” According to Putin, if EU leaders truly believe this, they are either incompetent or deliberately misleading their people. He advised European leaders to calm down, get proper rest, and focus on their own political, social, and financial crises instead of fueling unnecessary fears. Putin further noted that several countries, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, have long expressed concerns that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden Moscow to target NATO members. Russian officials, however, argue that these warnings are used as scare tactics to justify greater militarization. Putin emphasized that Europe’s leaders should stop spreading fear and concentrate on resolving domestic instability.

Thousands of Malaysians rallied in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, braving continuous rain to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and show solidarity with Palestinians. After Friday prayers, demonstrators gathered outside the Tabung Haji building before marching toward the U.S. Embassy, chanting slogans and condemning Israeli aggression. Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, praised the Global Sumud Flotilla as a symbol of humanity and criticized the detention of volunteers carrying aid. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged caution on new flotilla missions, warning of risks but stressing the importance of humanitarian support. The third flotilla wave, carrying journalists, doctors, and aid workers, set sail from Italy on September 27 with nine Malaysian delegates aboard. Turkey, Indonesia, and Qatar voiced strong support for Gaza, while the U.S. and EU maintained cautious stances, balancing humanitarian concerns with Israeli security claims. The rally and flotilla highlight Muslim unity for Palestine and demonstrate ongoing global solidarity with Gaza despite political obstacles.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to halt the Gaza war, labeling it a direct “threat” rather than a peace initiative. In a Facebook post on October 3, Mahathir argued that the proposal, co-drafted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is essentially a demand for Hamas to surrender within four days or face even deadlier massacres. He stated that the plan reflects Israel’s long-term agenda to force Palestinian capitulation under the guise of peace. Mahathir emphasized that over 60,000 Palestinians have already been killed, and asking them to surrender now would render their sacrifices meaningless and Gaza’s destruction futile. He further criticized Trump as a leader who pressures parties into submission rather than negotiating genuine peace, citing his failures in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Mahathir warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal, genocide in Gaza may escalate further with increased U.S. support for Israel.

US President Donald Trump has said that his administration’s newly imposed import tariffs could generate more than one trillion dollars in annual revenue for the United States. In an interview with One America News, Trump stated that revenue collection from tariffs has already begun and is projected to reach the trillion-dollar mark in the coming years. According to him, these tariffs are not only a revenue measure but also a protective step to safeguard the American economy against unfair trade practices. He emphasized that the US is open to trading with all nations, provided fairness and equal rights are ensured in such partnerships. Trump reiterated the same stance during his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly last month, highlighting that equitable trade is the foundation of his policy. The president believes that the tariffs placed on most countries around the world serve as a necessary shield to protect American industries and jobs.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman stated that there are no legal obstacles to implementing the July Charter, which will be carried out in line with recommendations from the National Consensus Commission. Speaking at a discussion with local journalists at Johan Dream Valley Park auditorium in Jhenaidah on Friday, October 3, he emphasized that all constitutional institutions were weakened during the Awami League’s rule. According to him, individuals in government service who were not involved in serious crimes during that period will continue their duties under the state. However, those who committed offenses under political directives will face legal action. He clarified that the government will assess their involvement case by case before taking action. Earlier in the day, a separate meeting was held with Jhenaidah Journalists’ Forum in Dhaka. The sessions were attended by prominent figures including leaders from the local press club, business associations, and political representatives, highlighting the broader public interest in the July Charter’s implementation.

BNP’s Secretary for International Affairs, Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, has warned that if elections are not held after February 2026, Bangladesh will fall into severe uncertainty. He urged the Election Commission to immediately begin preparations and to exclude individuals involved in previous elections as well as “supporters of fallen tyranny” from the electoral process. He accused the Awami League of destroying all key state institutions, including the judiciary, the Election Commission, and the police administration. Highlighting local development issues, he emphasized that reforms require coordinated action by all political parties. He stressed that BNP engages in politics not for power, but for the welfare of the people.

The U.S. has approved nearly $250 million in military aid to support Lebanon’s Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF). Before the fiscal year ended, $192 million was allocated to the LAF and $54 million to the ISF. The aid aims to strengthen state forces against terrorism and reduce Hezbollah’s influence. Lebanese President Michel Aoun recently met U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, urging increased support for the LAF to expand state authority nationwide.