An explosive revelation claims Sheikh Hasina and exiled Awami League leaders, with the backing of a foreign intelligence agency, are plotting to cripple Bangladesh’s economy by smuggling nearly two lakh crore taka worth of counterfeit notes into the country. Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan exposed the plan, sparking nationwide concern. Reports indicate that advanced printing facilities abroad, even using paper identical to Bangladesh’s official notes, are producing these fakes, making detection nearly impossible. Former mint designers and Awami-linked technicians are suspected of aiding the scheme. Authorities fear this influx could trigger inflation, erode public trust in currency, and destabilize financial institutions. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are on high alert, cracking down on secret networks and online groups trading fake notes. Bangladesh Bank warns citizens to stay vigilant, as the stakes for economic security remain dangerously high.

Shahidul Alam, director of Drekar and photographer, posted a video update from the Global Sumud flotilla en route to Gaza late on October 1. He said the flotilla is at sea and that news arrived of an attack on the vessel Alma; soon after, signals from that area were lost. All ships have gathered and crew members are deeply concerned. Alma had been at the front, while their ship is the largest and at the rear, raising fears that any attack could reach them. As evening fell they encountered a heated, stormy sea with lightning and are trying to move forward quickly despite being at the back. Alam accused Israeli forces of using attacks to intimidate and asked people to urgently also inform their home countries, show solidarity with the flotilla, and said he will pass messages to those affected.

Israel has intercepted 13 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean, detaining more than 200 people from 37 countries attempting to break the blockade of Gaza. Among the detained are 30 from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkey, and 12 from Malaysia. Despite the crackdown, flotilla organizers said around 30 more boats are still advancing toward Gaza, determined to deliver humanitarian aid. The Global Sumud Flotilla began its journey on August 31 from Barcelona, later joined by vessels from Tunisia, Italy, and Greece. With over 40 ships and participants from 44 countries, including European lawmakers, activists, doctors, and journalists, the mission seeks to challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade on Gaza. Israel claims links between the flotilla and Hamas but has provided no evidence. The convoy was expected to reach Gaza Thursday morning if unhindered.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security after last month’s unprecedented Israeli attack on Doha. The order pledges that any future assault on Qatari territory will be treated as an attack on the United States itself. The September 9 Israeli strike sparked outrage across the Middle East and beyond, raising doubts about Washington’s stance on Qatar’s security. Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare apology to Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a joint call with Trump. Qatar has been playing a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hamas alongside the US and Egypt. However, Doha had warned it would withdraw from mediation efforts if Israel did not apologize for the attack that killed Qatari civilians.

A Bangladeshi national, Badar Ali (38), was detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday morning near the Jibannagar frontier in Chuadanga. Witnesses say he was caught and beaten near the zero line in Benipur Schoolpara field. Family members expressed deep concern, as his wife stated she has no information about his condition or safety. Locals confirmed that Ali had returned home Tuesday night but was seized the following morning while returning from the border area. Jibannagar police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have verified the incident. BGB has formally requested a flag meeting with BSF to resolve the matter, but no official response has yet been received from the Indian side. The incident has created anxiety in the local community amid ongoing border tensions.

The government has extended the tenure of the independent investigation commission probing the 2009 BDR massacre at Pilkhana headquarters until November 30. Originally formed on December 24 last year with Major General (Retd.) A L M Fazlur Rahman as chairman, the commission was initially given three months, later extended twice by three months each, ending September 30. A new extension order, effective from October 1, was issued Tuesday night by the Cabinet Division. The commission’s mandate includes uncovering the nature of the tragic events on February 25–26, 2009, identifying perpetrators, instigators, conspirators, evidence destroyers, and both domestic and international actors involved. This extension aims to ensure a comprehensive and conclusive report on one of the most tragic episodes in Bangladesh’s history, which left the nation in deep shock and mourning.

Education advisor Prof. Dr. C. R. Abrar has accused political syndicates of taking control of educational institutions across Bangladesh, discouraging genuine philanthropists and alumni from contributing to development. Speaking at the 246th founding anniversary of Dhaka Alia Madrasa, he said that in the past, wealthy individuals and communities actively worked to improve schools, but political interference pushed them away. Alumni also distanced themselves, fearing conflict with politically linked groups who treat institutions as personal property. Abrar noted that the burden of improvement now solely falls on the government. He revealed that the interim government is formulating policies to free institutions from such groups, enabling social workers and education enthusiasts to contribute once again. He expressed hope that reforms will soon bring positive results in the country’s education system.

During an interview in New York on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus highlighted India’s consistent backing of Sheikh Hasina, noting that New Delhi still hopes she may one day return to Bangladesh as a victorious leader. Speaking to journalist Mehdi Hasan of digital media outlet GTO, Yunus addressed concerns over Awami League’s virtual meeting with Hasina, suggesting external forces could aid her return. He confirmed direct talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that Hasina not comment on Bangladesh while in India. Yunus also discussed key issues such as the July uprising, the fall of the Awami League government, his interim leadership, the party’s ban, and upcoming elections, underscoring the delicate balance of domestic politics and regional influence shaping Bangladesh’s path ahead.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying over 500 passengers including activist Greta Thunberg, is approaching Gaza with more than 50 vessels to challenge Israel’s blockade that has worsened famine conditions. Organizers report the flotilla entered Israel’s declared danger zone, raising fears of interception. Israeli media reveal preparations to detain hundreds on board, deport them, and potentially sink some ships too large to tow. Commandos and warships are expected to lead the operation, possibly during Yom Kippur. Earlier, an Israeli warship jammed communications and engines of the flotilla’s lead vessel, forcing activists to discard their phones into the sea for security. Though briefly disrupted, the flotilla resumed sailing. The move underscores growing international resistance against the Gaza blockade and potential escalation if Israel proceeds with forceful measures.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to the Hindu community on Durga Puja and Vijayadashami, emphasizing peace, harmony, and security for all. In a statement, he said Bangladesh’s heritage is built on religious coexistence and cultural values, where festivals unite people across faiths. Stressing that “religion belongs to individuals, but security is the responsibility of the state,” he called upon Hindu citizens to celebrate freely without fear. He cited constitutional guarantees of equal protection and referenced Islamic teachings against injustice to non-Muslims. Rahman urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to prevent communal unrest or security threats. He asserted that ensuring mutual respect, brotherhood, and safety is not just a constitutional duty but also a moral responsibility, and that resisting oppression and protecting diversity is essential for a just and democratic Bangladesh.

Malaysia is set to introduce a groundbreaking reform in its labor market, making Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions mandatory for foreign workers from October 2025. Both employers and employees must contribute 2% of monthly wages, creating long-term retirement savings opportunities for over two million legal migrant workers. However, domestic workers will remain exempt. To qualify, workers must hold valid passports and immigration-approved work passes. The policy aims to strengthen social security, ensure labor market fairness, and provide equal retirement benefits regardless of nationality. Authorities have already begun meetings with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and employer groups, to ensure smooth implementation. Registration will be available online or at EPF offices, with biometric updates required from January 2026. Experts believe this marks a historic step in labor reforms, though challenges remain in compliance and enforcement.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has clarified that the Chief Adviser never mentioned lifting restrictions on Awami League’s activities. He said a mistranslation caused confusion, as the Chief Adviser only shared information regarding the party’s current status, not future decisions. According to him, there is no plan to withdraw the existing ban, and the Election Commission has also restricted Awami League from participating in polls. He warned that quoting words out of context may create misleading narratives. The Press Secretary further noted that the government remains firm on the restriction, and the matter is already fact-checked by PIB. Addressing concerns about national elections, he assured there is no uncertainty, and enthusiasm is growing nationwide with campaign banners and candidates reaching voters. He expects the excitement to intensify as the election approaches.

A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena University reveals a historic shift in American attitudes toward Israel. Nearly two years into Israel’s Gaza offensive, support among US voters has dropped dramatically, with many opposing additional American financial and military aid. While 47% backed Israel after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, new data shows only 34% still support Israel, compared to 35% siding with Palestinians, and 31% choosing neutrality. Six in ten Americans now want Israel to stop the war even without freeing all hostages or defeating Hamas. Almost 40% believe Israel is deliberately killing civilians in Gaza—double last year’s number. The survey, conducted in English and Spanish with 1,313 respondents nationwide, highlights a record-breaking anti-Israel sentiment not seen since polling began in 1998, with sympathy increasingly tilting toward Palestinians.

Madagascar’s Gen-Z-led movement, inspired by youth protests in Kenya and Nepal, continues to intensify even after the government’s fall. Protesters are demanding a public apology from President Andry Rajoelina and the recently dismissed prime minister, as well as the removal of the capital’s administrator. Demonstrations have spread beyond Antananarivo to cities like Fenoarivo, Mahajanga, and Diego Suarez. Protesters highlight water shortages, power outages, and corruption, urging Rajoelina to resign. Despite the president’s televised promise to address crises and support businesses, young demonstrators expressed disappointment on social media. Since last week, the UN reports at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, though Madagascar’s foreign ministry disputes these figures. This is the largest uprising in recent years in the Indian Ocean island nation, posing the most significant challenge to Rajoelina since his disputed reelection in 2023.

Around 3.75 lakh teachers and staff from non-government schools and colleges under the MPO scheme are set to receive their September salaries and allowances by mid-next week. The delay occurred due to the Durga Puja holiday, which suspended office activities. According to an official from the Education Management Information System (EMIS) under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, the salaries have already been deposited into iBAS and will be disbursed on October 6 or 7. Earlier, on September 28, the proposal for disbursement was sent to the Education Ministry. Among the total staff, nearly 2.89 lakh work in schools, while over 86,000 are employed in colleges. This update brings relief to MPO-enlisted teachers and employees who had been waiting for their payments.