The Bangladesh government has suspended a proposed Tk 1,268.80-crore project aimed at improving climate-resilient livelihoods in the haor (wetland) regions across eight districts, including Kishoreganj. The project, initiated by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, was placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval on October 21. However, the plan faced strong objections from Environment and Forest Affairs Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who argued that large-scale infrastructure construction could severely damage the delicate haor ecosystem. Following her intervention, ECNEC decided not to approve the project in its current form and ordered a revision of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) by excluding infrastructure components. The project’s proposed funding sources included government allocations, a loan from IFAD, and a grant from Danida. Authorities are expected to resubmit a revised plan focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly development initiatives.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the future of the newly signed “fragile ceasefire” between Pakistan and Afghanistan depends entirely on whether the Taliban government can prevent cross-border infiltration and attacks by armed groups, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came after a week of deadly clashes along the border. Asif emphasized that any threat from Afghan soil would be treated as a violation of the agreement. He accused the Afghan Taliban of collaborating with the TTP, an allegation the Taliban has denied. Meanwhile, Kabul accused Islamabad of spreading misinformation and harboring ISIL-linked militants. Both countries have agreed in writing to avoid any hostile actions against each other’s security forces, civilians, or infrastructure as they seek to maintain fragile peace amid rising regional tensions.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has clarified that the recent social media claims stating that 10 agreements between India and Bangladesh have been canceled are inaccurate. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, he confirmed that only one agreement—the tugboat supply deal with Indian defense company GRSE—has been officially canceled. The majority of the agreements listed on social media do not exist. The adviser also noted that various agreements with India are still under review. The claims originated from Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya, who posted a list of canceled and under-consideration agreements, including railway projects, economic zone collaborations, water management initiatives, and pipeline expansions. The government emphasizes careful verification before making any official announcements regarding bilateral agreements.

To make up for instructional days lost during the recent teacher movement, MPO-listed teachers in Bangladesh have decided to hold classes on Saturdays until the upcoming annual examinations. Principal Delawar Hossain Azizi, president of the MPO-listed Education Nationalization Aspirants’ Alliance and general secretary of the Bangladesh Madrasah Teachers and Employees Forum, confirmed the decision. Teachers had been unable to attend classrooms for eight days due to the movement. The initiative aims to ensure students complete the full syllabus on time. The government recently announced a 15 percent increase in house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers working in private institutions, fulfilling a key demand of the teachers’ movement. With the official notification received, teachers will now resume classes from tomorrow, compensating for the lost days and withdrawing their movement.

The Ministry of Finance has approved the Education Ministry’s plan to increase house rent allowance for teachers and staff listed under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) by 15 percent in two phases. From November 1, 2025, employees will receive 7.5 percent of their basic salary (minimum BDT 2,000), followed by an additional 7.5 percent from July 1, 2026. The approval comes with six conditions, including adjusting benefits in future pay scales, strict adherence to MPO rules for private schools, colleges, madrasas, and vocational institutions, ensuring no arrears, compliance with financial regulations, accountability for any future irregularities, and issuance of a Government Order to be recorded in the Finance Division. This marks a significant move to enhance the welfare of private educational staff while aligning with budget limitations.

Following a major fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the Dhaka Custom House has issued a directive requiring all imported goods to be cleared within 24 to 48 hours. A delegation led by Faisal Samad, Director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), met with the Customs Commissioner on October 20 to discuss the crisis. An emergency meeting was also held with the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to coordinate the response. Importers and their agents have been urged to have all necessary documentation ready before goods arrive and, if possible, to receive deliveries on the same day. To assist with smooth clearance, focal officers from Dhaka Customs and Biman Bangladesh Airlines have been designated. BGMEA has requested its member organizations to actively participate and provide timely documents to ensure expedited handling of goods.

A massive fire broke out at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s import cargo village, with preliminary investigations indicating it may have started in the import courier section. Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddique, chairman of the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, informed reporters at a press conference at the Kurmitola headquarters on Tuesday morning. A high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the fire’s origin, assess the extent of damages, and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents. The Fire Service, police, and airport authorities are coordinating with the team. The fire erupted on October 18 around 2:15 PM and was brought under control after seven hours, with 37 Fire Service units deployed. Early estimates suggest hundreds of crores of taka worth of imported goods were destroyed. Multiple agencies are conducting separate investigations.

The final signature on the file concerning amendments to the 44th BCS repeat cadre rules has reportedly been delayed in the office of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, sparking criticism and public concern. Retired Additional Secretary Md. Mahbub Kabir Milon first highlighted the issue on social media. The post was later shared by Sargis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party in northern Bangladesh, who urged the Chief Adviser to release the file immediately. Alam expressed frustration that while the file has remained pending for a long time, the Chief Adviser has traveled abroad twice, yet the file has not moved. The amendments aim to allow candidates next in merit to be recommended instead of those already appointed in repeat cadre positions. The delay has caused uncertainty and anxiety among candidates whose future careers depend on timely decisions.

Israeli air and ground assaults continue in Gaza, intensifying concerns about the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas. The Palestinian Civil Defense reported four people killed in two separate incidents in the Al-Shifa area, while Israeli forces claim they targeted militants crossing the designated “yellow line.” Residents say widespread destruction makes the line nearly impossible to identify. Both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. At least 42 people, including children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on October 19, which Israel calls retaliation for the killing of two soldiers by Hamas, a claim the group denies. Humanitarian aid delivery faces delays due to multiple checkpoints, despite Israel announcing a partial resumption of the ceasefire. U.S. envoys, including Steve Whitlock and Jared Kushner, have met with Israeli officials, while Vice President J.D. Vance is scheduled to visit. Discussions on Hamas disarmament and Gaza administration reforms remain contentious.

The Officers and Staff Welfare Association of the Finance Division has proposed a new salary structure called “Total Salary” or “Remuneration” to the National Pay Commission. Under this system, all existing financial and non-financial allowances, including housing, tiffin, and transport, would be merged into a single consolidated salary. The association suggested a minimum salary of BDT 25,000 and a maximum of BDT 150,000 under a 1:6 ratio, replacing the current 1:10 scale. The proposal also includes periodic grade promotions every four years, new allowances for secretariat staff, and reinstatement of select benefits such as health insurance and New Year allowance. Officials highlighted the insufficiency of current allowances for daily needs, emphasizing fair compensation and a unified pay system. The plan aligns with practices in many developed and developing countries.

Russia launched massive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s northern regions on Monday, severely damaging energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages. Several areas in Chernihiv province, which receives electricity from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, were left without power after energy facilities were hit. It remains unclear whether the Chernobyl plant itself was targeted. In nearby Slavutych, about 45 kilometers from Chernobyl, parts of the city lost electricity, though emergency systems kept water supplies running. Local authorities and emergency crews are working to restore power. Reuters could not independently verify the attacks, and Moscow has made no comment. The strikes come amid escalating assaults on Ukraine’s energy sector, while Ukraine has responded with drone attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities. Over a million people across Ukraine have faced blackouts this month due to repeated Russian attacks.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has begun hearing four separate review petitions challenging the 2011 verdict that declared Bangladesh’s caretaker government system unconstitutional. The full seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, started proceedings on Tuesday morning. Petitioners include prominent citizens such as Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, along with leaders from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The caretaker system, introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996, was annulled by the 15th Amendment in 2011. Following the fall of the long-ruling Awami League government in August 2024, calls have resurfaced to restore the system to ensure neutral elections. During the hearing, the Chief Justice noted that the court seeks a sustainable solution for an election-time government, not a temporary fix, and questioned when any reinstated system might take effect.

The United States and Australia have signed a major $8.5 billion agreement to expand cooperation in the mining and processing of rare and critical minerals. The deal aims to strengthen both countries’ mineral supply chains while reducing their reliance on China, which currently dominates around 70% of global mineral extraction and 90% of processing. Under the framework, both nations will invest $1 billion in new projects over the next six months. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the agreement will elevate bilateral ties to new heights. U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed progress on the AUKUS submarine pact. The new minerals deal is part of a broader U.S. effort to secure critical resources needed for defense technology, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, amid escalating trade tensions with China and shifting global economic alliances.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is holding the 14th day of witness hearings in the crimes against humanity case over the brutal killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies, during the July–August movement in Ashulia. Former MP Saiful Islam and 15 others stand accused. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, is expected to hear two more witnesses today. So far, 18 witnesses have testified, including law enforcement officers and relatives of victims. The case details the horrific events of August 5 last year, when police allegedly shot six young men dead, placed their bodies in a van, and set them on fire—burning one victim alive. Eight of the accused, including senior police officers, are in custody, while Saiful Islam and seven others remain fugitives. The tribunal accepted formal charges in August, with evidence spanning hundreds of pages and multiple digital records.

Israeli forces launched new airstrikes and opened fire in Gaza despite an ongoing ceasefire, killing several Palestinians and sparking fears that the fragile truce could collapse. According to Al Jazeera, four civilians were killed in the Al-Shaaf area of Gaza City when they returned to inspect their destroyed homes. The Israeli army claimed they fired on militants who had crossed a boundary known as the “yellow line,” established under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on October 10. Since then, Gaza authorities report at least 97 Palestinians killed, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. Last Sunday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 42 people, including children. Hamas denied Israeli claims of attacks near Rafah and accused Israel of seeking excuses to restart the conflict. Despite threats to block humanitarian aid, Israel later confirmed it would maintain the truce. The UN said aid deliveries to Gaza have resumed.