A major robbery at Paris’ world-renowned Louvre Museum occurred on Sunday morning, leaving authorities stunned at the speed and precision of the thieves. The heist took place around 9:30 a.m. local time while the museum was open to visitors. Investigators found a truck with a ladder near the museum’s second-floor balcony, suggesting the thieves broke in through a window. The robbery happened in the Apollo Room, home to valuable ornaments of the French royal family, including items used by King Louis XIV. Priceless jewelry was stolen, including Empress Eugénie’s crown, adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, which was damaged during the theft. French authorities believe three to four individuals were involved, who fled on a motorcycle within seven minutes. The Louvre was closed for a day for investigation. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, promising justice and recovery of the stolen treasures.

The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) has reported that the recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo village has caused an estimated loss of Tk 12,000 crore. Speaking at a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon on October 20, EAB President Mohammad Hatem expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting serious security lapses at the facility. The fire severely affected traders, with 32 pharmaceutical companies alone suffering losses worth Tk 200 crore, and officials fear the total damage may rise. Hatem urged quick settlement of insurance claims for affected goods and proposed the creation of a special government fund to support items not covered by insurance. The blaze, which broke out on October 18, was finally brought under control after seven and a half hours of coordinated efforts by the Fire Service, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Law has announced that a special committee has been formed to ensure the smooth and efficient prosecution of murder and other serious crime cases filed over killings allegedly ordered by the Awami League government during the July student and public uprising. Excluding 45 cases already under trial in the International Crimes Tribunal, the remaining 792 cases will be sent to fast-track tribunals under Section 10 of the Fast-Track Tribunal Act, 2000. Police have already submitted charge sheets for 19 murder cases in various criminal courts across the country. The committee, led by the Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division, will oversee the prosecution process and ensure timely and effective handling of these cases. The move is aimed at expediting justice and addressing public demand for accountability for the July killings.

For the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission of Bangladesh has announced the deployment of approximately 100,000 military personnel, 150,000 police officers, and 550,000 Ansar members across the country to maintain law and order. The deployment will follow the “in aid to civil power” protocol, ensuring security without interfering in the electoral process. Drones will not be allowed for campaign purposes, though law enforcement may use them if necessary. Unlike previous elections, when forces were deployed for five days, this time the plan covers eight days—three days before the vote, election day, and four days after. The EC also reported that 85% of previously looted weapons have been recovered, with recovery operations ongoing. Authorities remain confident about a peaceful election.

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider accepting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditions to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, the meeting escalated into shouting matches, with Trump warning that refusal to compromise could lead to Ukraine’s destruction. Officials said Trump repeatedly referenced Putin’s statements and pressured Zelensky to surrender the Donbas region to Moscow. Trump also claimed that Ukraine is “losing the war” and emphasized that Putin could destroy the country if he wished. At one point, Trump reportedly pushed aside battlefield maps, expressing frustration and saying he did not understand the “red lines.” The discussions highlighted the intense diplomatic pressure on Ukraine as the conflict continues, reflecting Trump’s controversial approach to the war.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of playing “eerie, ghostly sounds” along border areas, calling it a form of psychological warfare. The Cambodian Human Rights Commission reported that loudspeaker broadcasts of ghostly wails and airplane engine noises are disturbing villagers’ sleep, causing anxiety, and creating physical discomfort. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen said the commission has lodged a complaint with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Thailand has yet to comment. The tensions follow a ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia last July. Thailand, in turn, accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along the border, though Cambodia denied the claims, saying Thai soldiers were injured by old landmines from its civil war. The allegations have reignited cross-border disputes and brought the matter to international attention.

Pakistan has successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, H-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, calling it a “significant milestone” in the country’s space program. Hyperspectral satellites can detect subtle chemical and material changes on Earth’s surface, making them invaluable for monitoring crop quality, managing water resources, and assessing natural disaster damage. SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan stated that the satellite’s data will revolutionize agricultural productivity, enhance climate resilience, and optimize the management of vital natural resources. The launch reflects Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and its long-standing peaceful cooperation with China. This year alone, Pakistan has successfully deployed three satellites, with EO-1 and KS-1 already fully operational, signaling a strong push forward in its national space ambitions.

In response to a series of recent devastating fire incidents across the country, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued an urgent safety directive for all educational institutions. Teachers, officers, and staff of government and private schools, colleges, and district and upazila education offices are instructed to ensure that all electrical switches, lights, fans, and computers are turned off before leaving their rooms. Air conditioner plugs must also be disconnected to prevent accidents. The notice emphasizes careful verification of these safety measures to minimize the risk of fire hazards. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including a fire at a chemical warehouse in Shialbari, Mirpur that killed 16 people, a prolonged fire at a towel factory in Chattogram’s EPZ, and a severe blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo section on October 18. The DSHE aims to enhance vigilance and prevent further loss of life and property.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to India, threatening to impose massive tariffs on Indian goods if the country does not stop importing oil from Russia. According to Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him that India would halt Russian oil purchases, but he warned that if India continued, it would face huge tariffs. Washington has been increasing pressure on countries maintaining trade with Russia, arguing that such commerce indirectly funds Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Tariffs on Indian goods have already been raised to 50 percent earlier this year, covering a broad range of products from textiles to pharmaceuticals. Trump has repeatedly stated that these tariffs will remain or increase if India does not comply. So far, the Modi government has not made any public statement on Trump’s remarks or clarified its stance on Russian oil imports.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, calling his recent Facebook post “vague and misleading.” In his post, Nahid Islam criticized Jamaat’s movement for proportional representation (PR), describing it as a “planned political deception” intended to derail genuine constitutional reform efforts following the July uprising. Responding to the criticism, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its media department, Ehsanul Mahbub (Jubair), said Nahid’s comments were “false, baseless, and regrettable.” He asserted that Jamaat had demonstrated its firm stance in both the Consensus Commission discussions and street movements to secure legal recognition for the July National Charter. Mahbub urged Nahid Islam to refrain from making such “misleading and immature” statements that could confuse the public. The exchange highlights growing tensions among political groups over the proposed PR system and broader reform agendas.

The government has announced that tourist visits to Saint Martin’s Island will resume on November 1 after a nine-month suspension aimed at protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. However, Environment and Forest Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan clarified that a final decision on allowing tourists to stay overnight has not yet been made. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday (October 19), she said the issue will be settled after discussions with the Ministry of Tourism. The extended travel ban had severely impacted the island’s tourism-dependent economy, leaving ships idle and workers unemployed. Officials said the restrictions were part of a broader plan to safeguard the island’s biodiversity and transform Saint Martin’s into a sustainable, community-centered tourist destination that balances environmental protection with local livelihoods.

Although a ceasefire officially took effect in Gaza last Friday, Israeli attacks have persisted, resulting in at least 97 Palestinian deaths and over 230 injuries, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office and Al Jazeera. The office reported that Israel has violated the truce agreement 80 times since it began. Israel claims its recent strikes were in retaliation for alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas, but Hamas has denied the accusations. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire remains in effect and that Washington is ensuring the situation stays calm. French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks urging immediate humanitarian relief for Palestinians and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Both leaders emphasized working together toward a two-state solution. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 68,000 Palestinians and injured more than 170,000.

The interim government of Bangladesh is set to introduce a new national pay structure for public servants, aiming to implement it within its current tenure. A National Pay Commission has already been formed and will submit final recommendations by December. The new framework proposes significant changes in salaries and allowances, including the introduction of a “Consolidated Salary” system that eliminates separate financial and non-financial benefits. The reform also targets the removal of various honorariums paid to officials for attending meetings, seminars, and training sessions—benefits costing the state nearly Tk 1,000 crore annually. The proposed minimum salary is Tk 25,000, with the maximum set at Tk 150,000. Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that necessary funds will be allocated in the revised budget, and implementation could begin early next year after the gazette is published.

BNP central leader and former state minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has accused the Awami League government of systematically destroying Bangladesh’s education system during its 15 and a half years in power. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Future Strategy for the Upcoming National Election” organized by the Zia Parishad Natore District branch, Dulu said that during BNP’s tenure, the party established a corruption-free education system to create a proud, educated generation. He claimed that under Awami League rule, even students who didn’t study were shown as passing exams, undermining the sector’s integrity. Dulu further alleged that the ruling party appointed loyalists to key educational posts, promoting corruption and favoritism. He pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will restore honesty in education and ensure fair opportunities for teachers and students alike.

Police have detained Mahir Rahman, one of the accused in the murder of Jagannath University student Md. Zobayed Hossain, after his mother brought him to Bangshal Police Station early Monday (October 20). Zobayed, a 2019–20 Statistics Department student and a member of the JnU Chhatra Dal convening committee, was killed on Sunday afternoon at a house in Armanitola, where he used to tutor a student named Barsha. His bloodied body was found on a staircase, and CCTV footage showed two young men fleeing the scene. Zobayed’s family accused five people, including Barsha, her parents, Mahir, and Mahir’s friend Nafis, but alleged that police delayed filing the case and advised them to reduce the number of accused. Protesting students blocked Tatibazar intersection, demanding immediate arrests. Jagannath University authorities have declared two days of mourning and postponed all events scheduled for University Day on October 22.