Gold and silver prices soared to record levels on Monday, October 13, as renewed trade tensions between the United States and China, combined with expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, boosted safe-haven demand. Spot gold climbed 1.5% to $4,078 per ounce, while December gold futures rose 2.3% to $4,093. Silver also jumped 2.7% to $51.70 per ounce. President Donald Trump recently threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and announced new export controls on key software, prompting global market concerns. Analysts note that geopolitical tensions and market tightness are driving investment demand for precious metals. Platinum rose 2.9% to $1,635.35, and palladium increased 3.6% to $1,452.50. Since January, gold has surged 53%, fueled by central bank purchases, ETF inflows, tariff-related economic uncertainty, and anticipated Fed rate cuts. Market watchers expect further rate reductions in October and December.

Sohail Afridi, nominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 90 votes, securing a clear majority in the 145-member provincial assembly. The opposition boycotted the election, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional,” with leaders including Dr. Ibadullah and JUI-F representatives walking out before voting commenced. Outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur congratulated Afridi and emphasized the importance of peace and justice, stating that his resignation was submitted following the instructions of PTI’s founder. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar warned party members against defying the founder’s nominated candidate. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi raised concerns over Gandapur’s resignation letters due to signature discrepancies, instructing him to verify them on October 15. Despite this, the assembly proceeded with the election, meeting the required majority of 73 votes. The ruling party now holds 93 seats, while the opposition has 52.

Jammu and Kashmir PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for welcoming Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, calling it a display of internal hypocrisy. She argued that while India’s government engages with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties, it simultaneously marginalizes its own Muslim citizens through policies and rhetoric targeting the community, including initiatives labeled as “Love Jihad,” “Land Jihad,” “Vote Jihad,” and “Cow Jihad.” Mufti highlighted that India’s decision to offer scholarships and developmental support to Afghanistan, while curtailing opportunities for Muslim students and closing madrasas at home, underscores a stark contradiction. Stressing the importance of international relations, she emphasized that the foundation of a stable and harmonious nation lies in building trust, respect, and equality for minority communities within its own borders. Afghan FM Muttaqi’s visit is part of a six-day trip to strengthen bilateral ties.

Teachers in MPO-listed schools and colleges across Dhaka have launched an indefinite strike demanding a 20% increase in house rent and medical allowances along with the implementation of a universal transfer policy. The protest, which started after teachers spent the night at the Central Shaheed Minar, also opposes police obstruction during their programs in the capital. While some institutions have suspended classes, others continue lessons to avoid disrupting students’ education, with teachers expressing solidarity with the movement. Earlier, tensions escalated near the National Press Club on October 12 during a sit-in when police used sound grenades and clashed with teachers. The protesting teachers have vowed to continue their movement until all demands are met, calling the government’s announced allowance hikes “insufficient and unrealistic.”

Following the mass uprising of 2024, the long-awaited “July National Charter-2025” signing ceremony is scheduled for October 17 at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. Despite disagreements over implementation procedures, particularly the schedule of a proposed national referendum, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have finalized preparations for signing the charter. BNP will be represented by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who have led discussions with the National Consensus Commission and supervised party organization in street movements over the past 17 years. BNP leaders believe the charter will create a new foundation for constitutional and state reforms and advocate holding the referendum on the same day as national elections to save time, resources, and maintain political stability. Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized the proposal as the most balanced and inclusive approach, enjoying wide support among political stakeholders.

Iran has suspended its cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear monitoring body, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Sunday. He stated that Iran would only return to the agreement if the UN presents proposals safeguarding the country’s rights and national interests. The move comes amid heightened tensions following conflicts with Israel and the United States in June, when the IAEA revealed Iran holds 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which could potentially be further enriched for nuclear weapons. Iran has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the IAEA but refused to allow access to nuclear sites. Previous European mediation efforts with the UK, France, and Germany failed, leading to UN sanctions in late September. Araghchi emphasized there is no basis for further talks with Europe.

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has released seven Israeli hostages, transferring them to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, according to Reuters. The Israeli military confirmed the release, saying the ICRC received the hostages before heading toward Israeli forces in Gaza. The freed hostages include twins Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, embracing and waving flags in celebration of the news. Meanwhile, large crowds assembled in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, where hundreds of released Palestinian prisoners are expected to arrive at the Nasser Medical Complex. Hamas earlier announced a list of 20 Israeli hostages to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons, marking one of the largest prisoner exchange efforts since the conflict began.

Recently leaked White House and U.S. CENTCOM documents have exposed a covert regional security framework linking Israel with six Arab countries — Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Despite publicly condemning the Gaza war, these nations have quietly strengthened military coordination with Israel over the past three years, focusing on intelligence sharing, missile defense, and counter-tunnel operations in Gaza. The Washington Post reports that these meetings, held in locations such as Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and the U.S. Fort Campbell base, were part of a broader U.S.-backed initiative to counter Iran’s influence and resistance groups. Kuwait and Oman were informed as potential future partners. Saudi Arabia reportedly played a key role in sharing sensitive military intelligence. The framework remains confidential and officially denies forming any “new alliance.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has softened his tone toward China, stating that the United States “wants to help China, not harm it.” His remarks came days after threatening to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports in response to Beijing’s new restrictions on rare mineral exports. The earlier threats and hints of canceling a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping triggered panic on Wall Street, causing a sharp market downturn. Trump’s conciliatory comments, shared on Truth Social, suggested an effort to ease tensions, though analysts believe the underlying issues between the two powers remain unresolved. Beijing criticized Washington’s trade policies, accusing the U.S. of double standards and unfair sanctions. Both sides continue to impose tariffs—30% by the U.S. and 10% by China—while the rare-earth mineral dispute remains a major point of contention.

The interim government of Bangladesh is redirecting its transport strategy from a road-dominated system to a rail-based multi-modal network to ease congestion and improve nationwide connectivity. Sheikh Moin Uddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Transport Affairs, announced that major highways like Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar have reached saturation, prompting a shift toward rail and waterways. Speaking at a meeting organized by Reporters for Rail and Road (RRR), he said the government aims to create seamless integration between trains, buses, and waterways at key district hubs. Despite current shortages of locomotives and coaches, targeted operations will begin soon, guided by a national master plan. The final plan is expected within six to eight months, encompassing short-, medium-, and long-term goals. The initiative seeks to decentralize traffic from Dhaka, enhance transport safety, and build a cost-effective, sustainable network across the country.

The International Crimes Tribunal has begun hearing arguments in a case accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam, in his argument, alleged that thousands of patriots were killed under Hasina’s direct orders. He described the former Awami League government as a fascist regime responsible for widespread abductions, extrajudicial killings, and the destruction of democratic institutions. Tazul Islam also referenced the Pilkhana massacre, the enforced disappearances by RAB, and politically motivated control of the judiciary as part of a pattern of oppression. During the live broadcast of the hearing, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office’s Facebook page suffered a cyberattack but was later recovered. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, noted that even judges should face accountability in such historic trials.

A violent clash erupted at midnight between students of Dhaka University (DU) and Dhaka College in the Nilkhet and New Market areas of the capital. The altercation reportedly began over setting up roadside shops near DU’s Shahnewaz Hall, escalating into stone-pelting and a fierce chase between both groups. The chaotic scene left several people, including a journalist, injured. DU Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem and other student leaders rushed to the spot to restore order. Meanwhile, a large police force was deployed to control the situation, which turned the area into a temporary battleground. According to Mohammad Jahangir, Assistant Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) New Market Zone, police successfully dispersed both groups and the situation is now under control. Authorities are investigating the incident and have assured that legal action will be taken if necessary.

Pakistan closed all major border points with Afghanistan on Sunday following a night-long gunfight with Afghan forces, heightening tensions between the neighboring countries. Pakistani officials reported that Afghan forces opened fire late Saturday night, claiming it was retaliation for a recent Pakistani airstrike targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders in Kabul. Afghanistan stated that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, while 20 of its troops were reported killed or injured. Pakistan claimed over 200 Taliban fighters were killed in its counterattack. Both countries accused each other of destroying border posts, with videos released showing shelling at Afghan positions. Sporadic clashes continued in Kurram even after most fighting ceased. Kabul said it halted attacks following requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed some fighting remains but emphasized no Afghan territory is under threat. The border closures add further strain to regional security and economic pressures in South Asia.

The Bangladeshi government has introduced a comprehensive cyber governance framework through three new ordinances in 2025—the Personal Data Protection Ordinance, National Data Management Ordinance, and Cybersecurity (Amendment) Ordinance. Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser overseeing the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, stated that these measures aim to enhance digital security, protect citizens’ personal information, and prevent cybercrime. The new framework ensures platform accountability, government supervision of data storage, and clear ownership rights, keeping citizens’ data under their control while restricting commercial exploitation. Tayyab emphasized that the laws are not only administrative but also technically and knowledge-based, building a modern cyber ecosystem in Bangladesh. The ordinances mark a significant step forward in national digital governance, aligning the country with global standards while addressing long-standing gaps in policy and practice. Journalists are encouraged to verify facts before reporting.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for killing 58 Pakistani soldiers and seizing 25 border posts during clashes on Saturday night along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government in Kabul, stated that Afghan forces pushed Pakistani troops out of these posts, injuring at least 30 others. He warned Pakistan against future violations of Afghan sovereignty. Earlier, Pakistan had accused Afghan forces of violating its airspace and carrying out a market bombing, labeling its own operation as retaliatory. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Afghan attacks as unprovoked, highlighting civilian casualties, and promised strict retaliation. Reports indicate that both sides used small arms and mortars in the Kunar-Kurram region. Several areas including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha witnessed heavy gunfire and shelling. The situation has raised concerns over escalating tensions along the volatile border.