Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has clarified that the government has not raised edible oil prices, countering public confusion after refiners announced new rates. Speaking to reporters in Purbachal on Tuesday (October 14), he emphasized that traders cannot increase prices without the Commerce Ministry’s approval and warned that the government will take necessary action against unauthorized changes. The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had earlier stated that, following discussions with the ministry, prices were adjusted in line with the international market. Their announcement raised the prices of bottled and loose soybean and palm oils effective from October 14. Following this, many assumed that the government had approved the hike. However, the adviser stressed that no such directive had been issued and that the government is maintaining strict market monitoring to prevent arbitrary price increases by traders.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Bangladesh’s GDP growth to reach around 4.9% in the current fiscal year—slightly higher than last year’s 3.97%, but still below the government’s 5.5% target. According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook 2025, inflation, which had declined in recent months, is likely to rise again due to higher commodity prices. Economic activity and import costs are also expected to increase, widening the current account deficit as dollar spending outpaces earnings. Despite these challenges, the IMF predicts steady growth over the next few years, reaching 6.5% by 2029–30. Bangladesh’s current account deficit, once 4% of GDP in 2021–22, has since dropped to 1.4% in 2023–24, though further pressure on foreign reserves remains likely.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select a new election symbol by October 19, after deciding that the party cannot use the Shapla (water lily) emblem. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the decision while speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters on Tuesday, October 14. He stated that if the NCP fails to propose an alternative symbol by the deadline, the Election Commission will assign one on its own. According to the secretary, the commission sees no necessity to include the Shapla symbol in the registration process. He added that if the NCP refuses to accept registration without the Shapla, it will be the party’s own choice. The directive signals the EC’s firm stance on regulating political symbols to maintain clarity and avoid duplication in upcoming elections.

Interim Government Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has announced a major digital reform that will allow bail orders to be sent directly from courts to prisons with a single click. Speaking at an event at the Supreme Court Auditorium, Dr. Nazrul said that currently, an accused person must go through 12 lengthy and often corrupt steps before being released after securing bail. From Wednesday, the new online bail system will automatically deliver bail documents to the relevant prison, eliminating delays, costs, and harassment. He emphasized that this initiative was developed entirely with government funds, without any external assistance. Dr. Nazrul also revealed that during the interim government’s tenure, several key laws—including those on the judicial secretariat, enforced disappearances, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and human rights—will be finalized soon. Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman chaired the event, joined by Additional Attorney General Arshadur Rauf and Barrister Anik R. Haque.

On Monday, October 13, Israel released around 250 Palestinians who had been serving life or long-term sentences, along with approximately 1,718 others detained during the Gaza war. Among the freed was Abdullah Abu Rafe, who described Israeli prisons as “slaughterhouses” rather than detention facilities. He recounted the harsh conditions, including the absence of mattresses, confiscated belongings, poor food, and general mistreatment. Another former prisoner, Yasin Abu Amra, described experiencing severe hunger, beatings, and torture, revealing he went four days without food. Said Shubair expressed indescribable joy at seeing the sun without bars, emphasizing that freedom is priceless. The United Nations had previously listed many of those released as forcibly disappeared. The testimonies shed light on the severe human rights concerns in Israeli detention facilities and the emotional relief and elation of those regaining their freedom.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert regarding three Indian-made cough syrups found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical. The syrups—Coldref by Shresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR by Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Relife by Shape Pharma—were intended for children aged one to five. WHO tests revealed the presence of the chemical at concentrations 500 times higher than the approved limit. The alert follows the deaths of 17 Indian children in August after consuming Coldref syrup. Similar incidents in 2023 caused 141 child deaths in Uzbekistan, Cameroon, and The Gambia from contaminated Indian syrups. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has acknowledged the WHO warning and promised stricter quality monitoring and regulatory actions to prevent future tragedies.

Dhaka’s former Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, has been temporarily suspended over serious allegations of corruption and misconduct during the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. According to a law ministry order issued on September 29, the decision was made following consultation with the Supreme Court. Investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) found evidence of bribery, manipulation of bail, and misuse of judicial power. Chowdhury allegedly turned his court into a hub of political favoritism, punishing opposition leaders while profiting from illegal case settlements and auction scams. He is also accused of misappropriating seized vehicles and securing multiple land plots through abuse of authority. Sources claim his misconduct severely damaged the judiciary’s reputation. Chowdhury denies wrongdoing, saying the ACC probe will clear him. The suspension has been widely welcomed within legal circles.

Israel has freed 3,700 Palestinian detainees as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to the country’s Central Prison Authority. The release took place on October 13 in two phases. Around 2,000 prisoners from Ofer Prison near Ramallah were transported by buses, arranged by the International Committee of the Red Cross, to the West Bank city of Beitunia. Another 1,718 prisoners, previously held in Israel’s Negev Prison, were sent to Gaza’s Khan Younis. Among them were 250 inmates serving life sentences, many of whom were detained following Israel’s 2023 military operations in Gaza. Upon arrival, the released individuals underwent medical examinations at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Beitunia and Khan Younis to welcome them amid scenes of joy and relief, marking a significant moment in the ongoing ceasefire process.

Madagascar is facing a political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country amid escalating protests led by the opposition group Zan-Gi. The protests, which began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages, quickly intensified into nationwide demonstrations addressing government corruption, mismanagement, and lack of basic services. According to opposition leaders, some military units rebelled and joined the demonstrators, prompting the President to leave the island nation on a French military plane bound for Paris. The President’s current location remains unknown, and a previously scheduled national address did not take place. French authorities, including President Emmanuel Macron, were reportedly involved in facilitating the move. Madagascar, with a population of nearly 30 million, faces deep economic challenges, with three-quarters of its citizens living below the poverty line and declining per capita GDP.

Bangladesh’s National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) is set to introduce a new interoperable payment system on November 1, 2025, allowing seamless transactions across mobile financial services (MFS) such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, as well as banks and payment service providers (PSPs). Under this system, bank-to-MFS transfers will cost Tk 1.50 per Tk 1,000, MFS-to-bank transfers Tk 8.50 per Tk 1,000, bank-to-bank transfers Tk 1.50 per Tk 1,000, and bank-to-PSP transfers Tk 2 per Tk 1,000. Recipients will not be charged any fees. The move aims to reduce reliance on cash and promote digital transactions across the country. The service will operate within existing transaction limits of banks, MFS operators, and PSPs. For internet banking transfers between banks, previous rules will remain in effect. The circular was issued by Bangladesh Bank’s Payment Systems Department on October 13, 2025.

In a landmark event held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, world leaders gathered to sign the Gaza Peace Agreement aimed at ending over two years of war between Israel and Hamas. U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it “The Biggest Deal,” joined Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and over 30 other leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to attend, citing the start of the Jewish festival Simchat Torah, though diplomatic sources suggested Erdoğan’s warning of a potential Muslim boycott influenced his decision. Trump hailed the agreement as a new dawn for Middle East peace, while analysts said it could bring a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian rebuilding to Gaza.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) announced that it will soon publish a list of interim government advisers allegedly seeking a “safe exit” through political deals. The controversy began when NCP Convener Nahid Islam claimed that several advisers were liaising with political parties to secure personal benefits. His remarks sparked intense debate, with at least five advisers publicly responding—some demanding evidence, others condemning his statement. Senior NCP leader Samantha Sharmin defended Nahid, saying he spoke from firsthand observation as a former adviser himself. Party insiders claim some advisers are acting under the influence of a particular political group, undermining the spirit of the student-led uprising that brought the interim government to power. NCP leaders accuse remnants of the previous regime’s “mafia media establishment” of trying to discredit student leadership while ignoring corruption and extortion across the country. The situation continues to fuel divisions within the interim administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russia that the United States could supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles if Moscow refuses to negotiate an end to the war. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One before his trip to Israel, Trump said the Tomahawk is a powerful offensive weapon and its deployment “would not be good for Russia.” Earlier, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming that the missile issue was raised during their conversation. Russia has condemned the idea as a “serious provocation,” warning it would push U.S.–Russia relations into crisis. President Vladimir Putin said the move would directly involve Washington in the conflict. With a range of 2,500 kilometers, Tomahawk missiles could reach Moscow from inside Ukraine. Zelensky responded that Russia’s fear of such weapons shows growing pressure that could help bring about peace.

MPO-listed teachers and staff have been holding a continuous sit-in at Dhaka’s central Shaheed Minar, protesting police attacks, sound grenade blasts, and arrests while demanding three key demands, including a 20% increase in house rent allowance. The protest has led to the suspension of all educational activities, including classes and exams, across schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions in the capital. Many teachers remain present at their institutions but are refraining from conducting classes. Those at Shaheed Minar spent the night under the open sky, enduring hardship to press their demands. Teachers have stated they will withdraw the sit-in and resume classes only after the government issues an official proclamation addressing their demands, including justice for the attacks. The protest underscores growing tension between MPO-listed teachers and authorities over recognition and welfare issues.

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.