A deep low-pressure system over the sea is causing widespread rainfall across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, which has been cloudy with drizzling rain since early morning. The Meteorological Department forecasts intermittent light to moderate rain nationwide for the next 3 to 4 days, with possible thunderstorms and winds up to 60 km/h in nine districts: Dhaka, Faridpur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Comilla, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar. Reduced traffic in Dhaka due to cloudy skies and the weekly holiday has caused inconvenience for residents.

Brigadier General Hossein Nejat, deputy commander of Iran’s Tharallah base, stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has enhanced its offensive capabilities more than tenfold compared to the 12-day conflict with Israel last June. Following the ‘True Promise–Two’ operation, IRGC units focused on readiness, identifying enemy defenses, and strengthening structural weaknesses. This improvement combines advanced weaponry, strategic planning, coordinated exercises, and unit collaboration. Nejat warned that any future Israeli misstep would face a much stronger and more effective Iranian response.

The Palestinian Gaza-bound aid fleet, Global Sumud Flotilla, has seen all vessels intercepted except The Marinet, a Polish-flagged ship with six crew members. Currently in international waters, The Marinet moves at 2.16 knots, about 100 km from Gaza. Its engine, recently repaired, allows continued navigation and live communication via Starlink. Flotilla organizers emphasize that the ship symbolizes resilience against blockade and violence. Israeli forces have detained rights activists on other vessels, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

At least 13 people, including six women and minors, died when a trolley parked on a temporary bridge for Durga idol immersion slipped into a lake in Khandoa district, Madhya Pradesh, on October 2. Rescue teams recovered the bodies, while an eight-year-old girl remains missing. Three injured girls are receiving hospital treatment. Officials estimate 30–32 people were in the trolley. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced ₹4 lakh compensation for victims’ families and directed proper medical care for the injured.

The Israeli military has escalated attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing 53 Palestinians in a single day. Israel has issued a final warning to residents of Gaza City to evacuate, threatening that those who remain will be considered terrorists or supporters of terrorism. Air and ground strikes have reduced Gaza City to rubble, forcing thousands to flee south, while many face attacks even while escaping. Since October 7, 2023, over 66,000 people have died and nearly 169,000 injured in ongoing hostilities.

Dhaka University Central Student Union Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayeem visited the grave of Martyr Abrar Fahad in Kushtia, breaking down in tears. Abrar, killed by Chhatra League activists over a Facebook post about the Assam Accord and water disputes, is hailed as a symbol of national unity. Kayeem prayed for his soul and emphasized that Abrar’s courage against oppression inspired the July movement. He urged the interim government to uphold the ideals for which martyrs sacrificed their lives.

Bangladeshi photographer and Drik managing director Shahidul Alam, aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has shared two video messages saying the fleet is very close to Gaza. In the first video, he mentioned feeling unwell due to rough seas, but reassured that medical care on board is adequate. In the second, he captured views from the ship’s deck, smiling and interacting with fellow passengers. The flotilla, carrying nearly 500 activists, doctors, journalists, and parliamentarians from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Gaza.

The United States government has entered its first shutdown in seven years after Congress failed to agree on a spending plan. The White House warned that over 700,000 federal employees could be furloughed within days, with “essential” staff forced to work without pay. Republicans and Democrats continue to trade blame over healthcare funding and budget priorities, while uncertainty grows over whether furloughed workers will receive back pay. Analysts say the crisis may hit harder than the 2018 shutdown.

An Israeli naval vessel reportedly fired water cannons at the Mikeno, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. Activist Muhammad Huzayfa Kukukayatekin said the Israeli ship pursued them for 10 minutes before soaking the vessel, supplies, and crew, causing distress among passengers. Israel has already detained most flotilla ships, claiming it stopped attempts to breach a lawful blockade. The international fleet of over 40 civilian vessels carries 500 activists, politicians, doctors, and journalists from 44 countries.

Defying Israeli naval efforts, The Marinette, the final vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, continues its journey toward the blockaded Gaza Strip. The Polish-flagged ship, carrying six human rights activists, is now just 100 kilometers from Gaza’s coast. Earlier mechanical issues were resolved, and the vessel proceeds at a steady pace, maintaining communication via Starlink. Israeli forces have already intercepted 43 out of 44 flotilla boats and detained over 500 activists at Ashdod port for deportation.

Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam reported feeling unwell while traveling on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. On October 2, he shared a Facebook video saying rough seas caused him to vomit, after which he lay down to recover. Alam noted he had just given a BBC interview when the ship began to sway. A doctor onboard is monitoring his condition, and his equipment has been secured. Despite the turbulence, Alam said he is now stable and hopeful of quick recovery.

In a statement on October 2, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Maulana Muhammad Imtiaz Alam warned that without legal recognition of the July Charter, vested groups may brand the uprising as a conspiracy. He said attempts are underway to erase the July movement from history. Alam stressed that martyrs and injured freedom fighters must not be discredited as traitors and criticized the interim government’s failure to provide proper medical care and rehabilitation for the wounded.

Ahmad Rafique, noted poet, essayist, Rabindra researcher, and veteran of Bangladesh’s Language Movement, passed away at 96 in Dhaka’s BIRDEM Hospital on Thursday night. He had been suffering from kidney complications and several mild strokes in recent weeks, eventually placed on life support before his death. Born in Brahmanbaria in 1929, Rafique lived alone in Dhaka after losing his wife in 2006. Childless, he leaves behind a vast personal collection of books as his lasting legacy.

India and China will restart direct passenger flights in late October 2025, five years after services were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing tensions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the move as a major step toward normalizing bilateral ties. Discussions earlier this year included resuming flights and updating air service agreements. Designated airlines from both countries will operate under the winter schedule. Officials say the decision will boost people-to-people connectivity and help restore bilateral exchanges.

Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, calling it “illegal” and an attack on a peaceful humanitarian mission. The group’s chief, Agnès Callamard, said Israeli authorities had long threatened participants and even tried to sabotage ships. Israel detained 443 activists from countries including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Turkey, the U.S., Germany, and the UK, seizing 43 of 44 aid vessels. Amnesty accused Israel of genocide and of deliberately blocking life-saving relief for Gaza.