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.

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has jurisdiction to try 15 military officers against whom arrest warrants have been issued in three cases, including two enforced disappearance cases, Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam said on Sunday. He emphasized that the law requires presenting arrested individuals in court within 24 hours, after which the court will decide on further proceedings. Arrest warrants have been communicated to all relevant departments, including the army, and the tribunal is the proper venue for trying military officers involved in disappearances and killings. On Saturday, Major General Md. Hakimuzzaman briefed that 15 officers listed in the tribunal’s charge sheet have been taken into custody. A total of 25 officers, including former and current personnel, were accused, with 15 ordered to report to army headquarters by October 9; all except Major General Kabir Ahmed complied.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has vowed that the country will take a firm stand on its defence and security after clashes along the Afghanistan border. He praised the Pakistan Army for successfully targeting terrorist hideouts near the border, honoring 23 soldiers who were martyred during the operation. Shahbaz emphasized that Pakistan has repeatedly informed Afghanistan about terrorist groups “Fitna al-Khawariz” and “Fitna al-Hindustan,” which reportedly receive support from some Afghan territories. He urged the Afghan Taliban government to prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan. The Pakistan Army confirmed that unprovoked attacks occurred on October 11 and 12, and in retaliation, over 200 terrorists were eliminated, while 23 soldiers were killed and 29 injured. The army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation and continuing defensive measures along the border.

Chittagong Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Laldiar Char, and Dhaka’s Pangaon terminal are set to be handed over to foreign operators by December, according to Mohammad Yusuf, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping. The move aims to enhance port capacity, improve efficiency, and attract foreign investment. Yusuf noted that while strategic and geographical concerns exist, similar operations have succeeded in ports across India, Sri Lanka, and other countries. The decision comes despite some opposition from local business communities. Yusuf emphasized that foreign operators will help streamline operations, reduce delays, and lower damages caused by congestion. Experts also highlighted the potential for the country’s shipbuilding industry to expand, leveraging global trade opportunities, and transforming it into a billion-dollar sector, supported by efficient delivery systems and tailored banking solutions.

Israel has announced plans to demolish the remaining underground tunnels in Gaza operated by Hamas immediately after the scheduled release of hostages, a move approved by the United States. The tunnels, which extend under the border into Israeli territory, have been used by Hamas to launch surprise attacks. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military has been instructed to prepare for the operation, which will follow the current U.S.-supported ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire, initiated three days ago, has already paved the way for the release of 48 Israeli hostages and the reciprocal freeing of 250 prisoners and 1,700 Palestinians detained by Israel. Hamas has agreed to the first phase of the U.S. plan but has not yet committed to full disarmament, citing complications in the second phase.

Chittagong University (CU) has announced the tentative dates for its first-year undergraduate (honors) admission tests for the 2025–2026 academic year. The decision was made during the first meeting of the Admission Process Management Committee, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yahia Akhter on October 12. Online applications will open on December 1 and continue until December 15. Tests for units ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ will be held at CU, Dhaka University, and Rajshahi University centers, while sub-units B1, B2, and D1 exams will be conducted exclusively at CU. Tentative exam dates include January 2 for ‘A’ unit, January 3 for ‘B’ unit, January 9 for ‘C’ unit, and January 10 for ‘D’ unit. Detailed information will be available on the university website.

Following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Turkey’s Ministry of Defense has stated that the Turkish Armed Forces are ready to participate in peacekeeping operations in Gaza if required. The ministry highlighted the TAF’s extensive experience in international missions, emphasizing fairness, professionalism, and trust earned in previous operations. Ministry spokesperson Zeki AkTürk praised the ceasefire as an opportunity to end two years of devastating conflict and urged rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkey also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable peace and facilitating a “two-state solution.” On Syria, Ankara described recent elections as a positive step for unity and stability but criticized the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for violating agreements with the government. Turkey stressed close monitoring of ongoing talks and reiterated support for a “one state, one army” principle in Syria.

Pakistan’s defense forces have reportedly killed more than 200 Taliban and allied terrorists in a large-scale retaliatory operation following unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border posts by Afghan forces late Saturday night. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan Army stated that precision strikes, raids, and targeted assaults were carried out on Taliban camps, posts, training centres, and support networks operating from Afghan territory. Multiple Taliban positions along the border were destroyed, and twenty-one Afghan positions were temporarily seized. Afghan authorities claimed 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, while Pakistan has not released official casualty figures but said significant damage was inflicted on Afghan forces. Sporadic firing continues in areas such as Kurram. Pakistan has warned that it will not tolerate the use of Afghan territory for terrorism and reserves the right to target cross-border terrorist positions to ensure national security. Regional powers have called for dialogue and de-escalation.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) is set to be divided into two distinct entities: the Directorate of Secondary Education and the Directorate of College Education. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the Principal Advisor has approved this plan. A six-member committee has been formed to prepare comprehensive proposals for the two new directorates, including separate organograms, work allocations, and the Table of Officers & Equipment (TO&E). The committee, led by the Joint Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, has been instructed to submit the organograms within 30 days. Members include senior officials from the Ministry of Education, Finance Division, Public Administration Ministry, and the current DSHE leadership. This restructuring aims to streamline administrative processes and improve the governance of both secondary and higher education in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka College Heritage and Identity Preservation Committee has issued a stern warning that they will launch strict protests if the proposed draft for Dhaka Central University is not revised. At a press conference on October 12, convener Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, a former Dhaka College Students’ Union VP and BNP leader, said the draft could jeopardize the autonomy of seven prominent government colleges and restrict women’s education at Eden and Badrunnisa Colleges. The committee called for establishing Dhaka Central University following Oxford, Federal, or similar models, while preserving the independence, heritage, and competitive academic programs of these colleges. They presented ten proposals, emphasizing protection of infrastructure, scholarships, faculty ratios, student welfare, and avoidance of hybrid education systems. Human chains and further protests are planned at the National Press Club on October 16 if demands are not met.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran has no confidence that Israel will honor the terms of the newly agreed Gaza ceasefire. Speaking a day after the truce began, he accused Israel of a history of deception and ceasefire violations, referencing past incidents in Lebanon. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s support for any initiative aimed at stopping the violence, ensuring humanitarian aid, releasing Palestinian prisoners, and protecting Palestinian rights. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran backs all efforts to end what it described as a genocidal war. Araghchi also disclosed that Russia conveyed a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring that Israel has no intention of starting a new war with Iran. The message followed a recent 12-day conflict between the two nations triggered by Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites.

During the live broadcast of prosecution arguments in the crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and another accused, the Facebook page of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor’s Office came under a cyberattack. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam revealed the incident during a press briefing on Sunday, October 12, stating that the attackers temporarily disabled the page but it was later restored. Tajul alleged that the perpetrators and their allies aimed to prevent the world from seeing the transparency and strength of the evidence presented in court. Emphasizing the government’s resolve, Tajul said no criminal will escape justice and no attempt to shield offenders will succeed in Bangladesh. He added that the prosecution’s efforts are not driven by revenge but by a commitment to justice and fairness.

Hamas has announced that the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza will begin on Monday morning under a newly implemented ceasefire agreement. In exchange, Israel is expected to free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners for 20 living Israeli captives. The prisoner swap marks the first phase of the ceasefire, which comes after nearly two years of conflict. Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan confirmed the schedule in an interview with AFP. On the same day, world leaders—including U.S. President Donald Trump, Egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and UN chief António Guterres—will gather in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh for an international summit aimed at ending the Gaza war and promoting long-term Middle East stability. Hamas has declined to attend, citing its indirect participation through Qatari and Egyptian mediators.