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.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has directed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select an alternative election symbol by October 7, as their preferred “lotus” symbol is not included in the official electoral guidelines. The NCP initially applied for registration with a list of three preferred symbols: lotus, pen, and mobile phone. However, under the 2008 electoral conduct rules, the lotus cannot be allotted since it is not on the approved list of 115 reserved symbols. In response, NCP leaders accused the Commission of unconstitutional and discriminatory practices, alleging favoritism and bias in symbol allocation. The Commission insists NCP must choose from the 50 available unallocated symbols, which include items like ostrich, cupboard, football, sewing machine, and helicopter. Out of 143 applications for registration, only two parties, including NCP, met preliminary conditions.

Hamas has denounced Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound humanitarian mission carrying aid workers, journalists, and volunteers from 44 countries. The group described the interception and detention of civilians as “piracy” and “a crime against humanity.” At least one vessel has entered Gaza’s waters, with 23 more advancing, though Israel’s role in intercepting them remains unclear. The flotilla, which set sail from Spain with over 40 ships, has drawn widespread global attention and calls for international protection.

Cyclone Shakti has formed over the Bay of Bengal after intensifying from a deep depression. While not expected to cross Bangladesh directly, its impact is already being felt with heavy rains and strong winds in the south. The storm may make landfall in India’s Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast tonight. Bangladesh, along with India’s West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya, could face heavy to very heavy rainfall until October 5. Flood warnings have been issued for seven low-lying districts in Bangladesh.

French MEP Rima Hasan, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, declared she will not give up in the fight for Palestinian independence. Hasan called for worldwide protests against Israel and shared a video holding the Palestinian flag after her ship was attacked near Gaza. The flotilla, consisting of over 40 civilian vessels from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel claims links to Hamas but has provided no evidence. The fleet was scheduled to reach Gaza Thursday morning.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 38 entities and individuals for supplying defense equipment to Iran. Networks linked to Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group are accused of acquiring military technology domestically, while others operating across Iran, Hong Kong, and China supplied U.S.-made electronics to Shiraz Electronics Industries. Another network provided equipment for helicopters used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. All listed assets under U.S. jurisdiction will be blocked, with U.S. citizens and foreign banks restricted from significant transactions.