Qatar has formally requested Israel to apologize for airstrikes in Doha before restarting negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani raised the demand with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions later involved Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. envoy Steve Whitcuff, and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Qatar may accept an apology limited to the death of a Qatari security official, compensation to his family, and assurances of respecting Qatar’s sovereignty.

After recent attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Qatar, Turkey is increasingly wary of Israel’s regional ambitions. Analysts warn that Turkey could be Israel’s next target, with NATO membership offering no guaranteed protection. Tensions are fueled by Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” vision and Israel’s aggressive moves across the Middle East. Turkey has suspended economic ties with Israel and is bolstering its maritime and regional strategies, preparing to counter what it views as unilateral Israeli dominance in the region.

Police in Dubai recovered the hanging body of a Bangladeshi youth, identified as Monir Hossain (28), from his residence on Sunday. Monir, who worked at a carton company in Dubai, lived in a shared room in Jebel Ali with two others. His brother Anwar Hossain told reporters that Monir had returned from work around 10 p.m. on Saturday and briefly spoke with his family over the phone. “He said he was about to cook and would call back after dinner. But when he didn’t, I tried calling, and he never answered,” Anwar recounted. Later, Monir’s younger brother, who also worked at the same company, asked acquaintances to check on him. They discovered Monir’s lifeless body hanging inside the room. Following the incident, his Pakistani and Indian roommates were reportedly missing from the residence.

Two more students injured in the tragic Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College have been discharged from the hospital, officials confirmed. Dr. Shawon, Resident Surgeon at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, identified the discharged students as Niloy (13), a sixth-grader, and Rupi Barua (10), a fifth-grader. “Both Niloy and Rupi sustained serious flame burns—25% and 20% of their bodies, respectively,” Dr. Shawon said. “They have now recovered enough to return home. Currently, eight students remain admitted, while 28 have been discharged so far.” The devastating accident has already claimed 20 lives among those hospitalized, he added.

Police in Chattogram have arrested 11 leaders and activists of the banned factions of Chhatra League and Awami League from a sudden flash procession. Authorities confirmed that a case has been filed against them at Double Mooring Police Station. According to police sources, around 80–85 activists, including leaders from Chhatra League, Sramik League, and other affiliated bodies of the Awami League, brought out a sudden procession in Agrabad Beparipara on Saturday night. Acting swiftly, police dispersed the rally and detained 11 participants, while several others managed to flee. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Babul Azad said that charges have been brought against 64 individuals under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and they have been sent to court.

Ali Ahsan Junayed, convener of UP Bangladesh, has begun testifying in a high-profile crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused. Junayed is appearing as the 48th witness in the tribunal, providing detailed testimony that spans from the 2013 anti-quota movement to the July 2024 mass uprising, which ultimately led to Hasina’s fall from power. Earlier, state-appointed defense counsel Md Amir Hossain, representing Hasina and Kamal, completed a second round of cross-examination of Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party. Nahid had delivered his testimony in two sessions, including one on September 17, when he spoke for over an hour before the tribunal. On the same day, Amir Hossain also resumed questioning Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the now-defunct daily Amar Desh. With Junayed’s appearance, the tribunal has now heard testimony from 48 witnesses over the course of 19 hearing days, marking a significant progression in one of the most politically sensitive trials in Bangladesh’s recent history.

The United States has set its sights on a Bangladeshi port as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, according to a report by The Economic Times. The initiative falls under the Quad’s “Ports for the Future” program, aimed at balancing China’s growing presence in the Bay of Bengal. Washington has already held preliminary talks in Dhaka with local stakeholders. The report also noted that the US military is active in strategically vital Chattogram. Notably, India has no role yet in Washington’s plan, although New Delhi is considering a public-private partnership to develop a Bangladeshi port. Meanwhile, Japan is building a deep-sea port at Matarbari, and India previously secured operational rights for a Mongla port terminal in 2024 under Sheikh Hasina’s government.

State-appointed defense counsel Md Amir Hossain argued before Tribunal-1 that Sheikh Hasina did not resign when she fled to India on August 5 amid mass uprising. Rejecting witness Nahid Islam’s deposition, Hossain claimed the “one-point movement” launched on August 3, 2024, was a long-planned agenda backed by foreign and domestic forces. He alleged that Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus was proposed as interim head of government under their influence. Prosecution lawyers objected to these claims, insisting the trial focus strictly on case facts. Hossain further argued that Hasina never ordered the use of helicopters or lethal weapons against protesters, and that no crimes against humanity occurred in July–August 2024. Witness Nahid Islam refuted the defense, stating he learned of nationwide killings and torture on August 5 through coordination leaders Hasnat-Sarjis.

The government has appointed two senior officials of the Bangladesh Army as ambassadors. They are Major General Kabir Ahmed and Major General Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board. According to a government notification, both officers have been deputed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ambassadorial assignments. However, their respective postings have not yet been disclosed.

Leaders of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) have demanded an unconditional apology from BNP leader Fazlur Rahman for his derogatory comments about Dhaka University students. In a protest note signed by DUCSU General Secretary SM Farhad, the leaders condemned remarks labeling DU students as “sold-out minds,” “trend followers,” “servants,” and “backward.” Rahman also reportedly compared the university to Hathazari Madrasa. DUCSU stated such remarks are an affront to the dignity of students and tarnish the university’s reputation as a century-old hub of liberal thought, inclusivity, and democratic struggle. They described the statements as politically motivated, hateful, and racially charged.

In a historic move, three influential nations—United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia—simultaneously recognized Palestine as an independent state on Sunday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision in a video message, describing it as part of London’s effort to revive a two-state solution. Australia confirmed its recognition through a joint statement signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Canada became the first G7 nation to formally extend recognition. With this development, the number of countries recognizing Palestine has now reached 150.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for urgent measures to halt the ongoing massacre in Gaza. Writing in The Guardian, she emphasized that increased international recognition of Palestine and an immediate halt to military cooperation are crucial. Ardern stressed delivering humanitarian aid, medical support for the injured, malnourished, pregnant women, and new mothers. Addressing global leaders ahead of the UN General Assembly, she urged prioritizing Gaza amid global crises, warning against dehumanizing people by treating them as mere numbers.

The caretaker government’s Advisory Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the purchase of vaccines for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) through UNICEF from Gavi under the direct purchase method. The decision, made during the 30th ACAE meeting chaired by Economic Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, covers a three-month supply for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Officials said future procurements may follow competitive bidding, ensuring timely and efficient vaccine availability to strengthen the national immunization program.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged India to decide whether it wants to remain an enemy or be a good neighbor, emphasizing that both countries must coexist. Speaking to expatriate Pakistanis in London, he highlighted the cost of past wars and called for investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure instead. He stressed resolving the Kashmir issue, condemned the Gaza crisis, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness for dialogue on equal terms. Recent national achievements, economic progress, and strengthened global standing were also highlighted.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Afghanistan’s Taliban government return the Bagram airbase, warning of “terrible consequences” if they refuse. In posts on Truth Social and remarks at the White House, Trump insisted the airbase must be handed back immediately, hinting at undisclosed action if demands are ignored. He earlier revealed during a UK trip that talks are underway to regain Bagram. Trump has long criticized its loss, citing its strategic importance and alleging growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan.